Virtual machine software is needed to run multiple operating systems on your computer simultaneously. It emulates space for installing additional operating systems on your device.
For example, if you are a Windows user, you can use virtual machines to run MacOS on a regular computer. The primary operating system is called the host, whereas the one you run on a VM is called a guest.
The above description clearly explains virtual machines and their primary purpose. So now, let’s look at the different VMs available in the online market. You will find lots of options to choose from, some paid and others free to use. We have listed the Best Virtual Machine Software You can use on a Windows Computer.
1. VMware
VMware Workstation is one of the oldest virtual machine software programs. It has a powerful interface and a wide range of functionalities. The virtual machine supports Direct X 10 and Open GL 3.3. Moreover, its modern networking system helps you administer various virtual networks.
VMware offers two variants of virtual machines. The free one has almost all the functionalities, like supporting more than 200 guest operating systems and 4K display support. However, the basic version may not offer some advanced features, like complex networking and commercial use.
Free and Paid
Compatibility: Linux, Windows 10
2. VMware Fusion
If you are a Mac user and want virtual machine software, VMware Fusion will help you. The developers of the VMware Workstation developed it and have almost similar features to it. Additionally, you will get some unique functions for MacBooks, like 5K iMac displays, mixed retina configuration, etc.
Like the Windows variant, VMware Fusion comes in two types: Fusion Basic and Fusion Pro. The pro version has slightly more advanced features than the free one.
Free and Paid
Compatibility: macOS, OS 10.13 and above
3. Oracle VM VirtualBox
Oracle VM VirtualBox is a completely free project for personal and office use. It is open-source software that adds additional operating systems to old computer systems. The VM is famous for its compatibility with devices and older hardware configurations.
Almost one million registered users use Oracle VM VirtualBox, and it has a very active developing community behind it. That means your virtual machine will receive regular updates and fixes.
Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS 10.13 and above
4. Parallels Desktop
The Parallels Desktop virtual machine is a virtual machine that MacBook users can use to run Windows and MacOS together. Some of its basic features that you will get are notifications from emulated operating systems, transferring files between macOS and Windows, dedicated cloud storage space, and lots more.
There are three variations of parallel desktop virtual machines available. The basic edition is for beginners using virtual machines for the first time, and the other two are for professional users.
Paid
Compatibility: macOS X, macOS 10.12.6 and above
5. QEMU
QEMU is a free virtual machine for the Linux operating system. Open-source developers develop the software and has a high-performance graph. In addition, its wide range of hardware support makes it unique from other VMs. You can use USB and peripheral emulation as networking sources in it.
Most users often pair KVM virtual machines with QEMU to get high performance. But the sad thing is that QEMU Only supports Linux to emulate and has a somewhat complicated user interface that may be hard to use by a beginner.
Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows 32 and 64 bits
6. Virtual Box
Our next inclusion is an easy-to-use and low-specified virtual machine that can be used in almost all operating systems. Moreover, the developers have made it a free-to-use software for users. It has many amazing features like 3D virtualization, multi-screen resolution, X86 virtualization hypervisor, etc.
Many users face the common problem of transferring files between the host and guest platforms in VMs. VirtualBox has made this option easy to use. So, if you are looking for a free virtual machine, VirtualBox is a perfect option.
Paid
Compatibility: Linux, Windows 8, and above
7. Boot Camp
Boot Camp is another software for Apple users who want to run Windows on their computer systems. While most MacBooks come with pre-installed Boot Camp software, those without can also easily install it.
The virtual machine provides almost all the support you need to run two operating systems simultaneously. Moreover, you will receive notifications from Windows when you use macOS.
Paid
Compatibility: macOS
8. Citrix Hypervisor
The Citrix Hypervisor is one of the oldest known virtual machine software programs. It has two versions: one for beginners and one for professionals. While the beginner’s version is free, the professional version can be purchased or subscribed to.
The hypervisor also has a well-developed GPU that helps get a good visual effect in the cloned operating system. Moreover, it has powerful capacity planning tools, virtual machine project management, and other advanced features.
Paid
Compatibility: Windows 8 and above
9. HyperV
HyperV is one of the best virtualization software for Windows 10. It is feature-packed and offers advanced features like extensible virtual switch dynamic memory, the ability to create checkpoints, and more. HyperV’s most striking feature is its remote control capability using PowerShell.
The Virtual Machine generally works on the X 86 to 64 system. However, the only drawback of the system is that you can’t run it on the home version of Windows 10, which makes it a professional software to use.
Paid
Compatibility: Windows 8 and 10 Professional
10. Red Hat Virtualization
Our last inclusion is Red Hat virtualization, which works based on the KVM hypervisor. It uses the SPICE protocol and Virtual Desktop Server Manager servers and is mainly recommended for professional enterprises. Its high-efficiency rate enables the user to carry out huge workloads.
Red Hat Virtualization allows you to use more than one virtual machine in your computer system. It also has a stable foundation for cloud storage and a compact interface.
Paid
Compatibility: Windows and macOS
