StudyToCert

All certifications / AZ-802 / Lessons

Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator Associate (exam AZ-802: Administering Windows Server) AZ-802 · Domain 3: Manage virtual machines

Hyper-V VM configuration: generation 1 vs 2, dynamic memory, integration services, enhanced session mode, Secure Boot and virtual TPM

▶ Watch the overview video

Last reviewed September 25, 2026 · Leer en español

When you create a Hyper-V virtual machine, the first and permanent choice is its generation. Generation 1 VMs emulate a traditional BIOS PC: they boot from an IDE controller, can use legacy network adapters for PXE, and support 32-bit guest operating systems. Generation 2 VMs use UEFI firmware, boot from SCSI disks, PXE boot with the standard synthetic network adapter, and support Secure Boot and a virtual TPM. Generation 2 has no IDE or legacy devices at all. You cannot change a VM's generation after creation, so choose generation 2 for any modern 64-bit Windows or Linux guest, and generation 1 only for old or 32-bit guests or if you must reuse an old VHD boot disk.

Free account

Keep reading for free

Create a free StudyToCert account to read the rest of this lesson: 5 more sections, 5 key terms, a real-world example, an exam tip and self-check questions. Every lesson, lab and practice test is free with an account.

Sign up free Log in

Study AZ-802 for free
A week-by-week plan with every lesson, quizzes, checkpoint tests, a practice exam and hands-on labs.
Open the AZ-802 study plan