The primary use case is for customers who want to virtualize their infrastructure, but are on a budget and don't need advanced features.
Budget-friendly, but needs security and other feature improvements
Pros and Cons
- "This is the best solution for customers with budget constraints."
- "This is the best solution for customers with budget constraints."
- "Security, computing balance, and taking snapshots could be improved. Features like DRS and memory ballooning could be added."
- "I would rate Hyper-V a six out of ten because it is missing a lot of features."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
This is the best solution for customers with budget constraints.
What needs improvement?
Security could be improved and they need to have some sort of a Distributed Resource Scheduler like VMware. Hyper-V doesn't have that kind of a solution. Computing balance could be improved. If you have three or four nodes in a cluster, it should look at the load and based on the algorithm they use, it will place the VMs automatically onto a utilized node in the cluster. Memory ballooning, where unused memory can be cleaned and given to demanded VMs, is a feature I would like to see.
Taking snapshots could also be improved. It's not straightforward and I had a couple of issues with the Windows server 2000 tool when I took a snapshot of the active directory. When I went to restore that snapshot, I had a problem with active directory sync issues. VMware doesn't have this problem. Even if you're taking a snapshot of the active directory, you can easily revert back and you will not have any trouble with active directory replications.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Hyper-V since 2012.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable, especially if you do Hyper-V clustering. Some customers don't invest much into IT infrastructure, so I design Hyper-V-cluster-based solutions. The only potential problems are attacks on Windows servers, vulnerability issues, or receiving stolen packages could require you to restart it. But it does its job.
How are customer service and support?
Some of my customers have software assurance from Microsoft, but those who don't have to pay if they need technical assistance. Microsoft Azure has support, but if a customer has deployed the infrastructure on-premises and they don't have software assurance, they will have a problem getting support from Microsoft.
How was the initial setup?
The installation took about fifteen to twenty minutes for a Microsoft Windows server.
For deployment, you need expertise in terms of storage, network, and computing. If a customer requires a high performance, we need to look at the computing, processor, and what kind of storage and network switches we're using. You need an expertise team in order to get the best solution.
What about the implementation team?
I installed this product myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I recommend Hyper-V to customers with budget constraints.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
VMware has a lot of features. For example, with vMotion, if an administrator wants to do maintenance, they can do live migrations. Hyper-V does the job and is okay, but it's not the same as VMware.
What other advice do I have?
If you are on a budget and can't invest too much into IT infrastructure, I recommend Hyper-V. If budget isn't a problem and you're looking for the best solution, I would go for VMware. I have about 85 customers that are using Hyper-V clusters at the moment. Hyper-V is okay for utilizing the file server, clusters, or active directory, but you won't get advanced features.
I would rate Hyper-V a six out of ten because it is missing a lot of features.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Integrator
Manager, Information Technology at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
It's good for small or medium-sized environments, but if you want to scale larger you should consider something else
Pros and Cons
- "It's good for what it does. If you have a small or medium-scale acclimatization, it's an excellent solution."
- "If you have a small or medium-scale acclimatization, it's an excellent solution."
- "I'd like to see better predictive diagnostics, so I know what's going on with the machines."
- "I'd like to see better predictive diagnostics, so I know what's going on with the machines."
What needs improvement?
I'd like to see better predictive diagnostics, so I know what's going on with the machines.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Hyper-V since about 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Hyper-V has been pretty good. I have no complaints about the stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It scales well so far, but I think we're nearing the edge of that. We have somewhere in the region of about 200 users.
How are customer service and support?
The support could be better.
How was the initial setup?
I can't say setting up Hyper-V was particularly complicated. The deployment was about two months with the help of some integrators.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I think I'm okay with the cost. There are no monthly or yearly costs or additional costs.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Hyper-V seven out of 10. It's good for what it does. If you have a small or medium-scale acclimatization, it's an excellent solution. But in terms of scaling larger, you might want to consider something else.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Hyper-V
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about Hyper-V. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,286 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Senior Buyer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Straightforward installation, but lacking stability
Pros and Cons
- "The installation was straightforward."
- "The installation was straightforward."
- "I have found it difficult to manage more than one virtual machine."
- "Hyper-V is not as stable as VMware and should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use Hyper-V for hardware virtualization.
What needs improvement?
I have found it difficult to manage more than one virtual machine.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Hyper-V for approximately seven months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Hyper-V is not as stable as VMware and should be improved.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately 20 users using the solution.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We have a four-person team that consists of an administrator, network administrator, managers, and system administrator that does the maintenance and support of the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Hyper-V a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Technology Solutions Head at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Priced well, integrates with Microsoft product, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "Hyper-V integrates well with other Microsoft solutions."
- "I would advise customers that are Microsoft users to use Hyper-V if they want to have more cost-efficiency."
- "One of the network problems I face is I cannot introduce other security layers on top of Hyper-V as you can in VMware. When it comes to the network the VMware is more flexible than Hyper-V."
- "One of the network problems I face is I cannot introduce other security layers on top of Hyper-V as you can in VMware."
What is our primary use case?
We supply Hyper-V for hardware virtualization to customers.
What is most valuable?
Hyper-V integrates well with other Microsoft solutions.
What needs improvement?
One of the network problems I face is I cannot introduce other security layers on top of Hyper-V as you can in VMware. When it comes to the network the VMware is more flexible than Hyper-V.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Hyper-V for approximately three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How are customer service and technical support?
We have not had any issues that we would need to contact the support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have previously used VMware solutions.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is a license required to use Hyper-V and there are bundle packages you can purchase making it cheaper than other solutions, such as VMware. Additionally, if there is a lot of guest OS that requires Windows, then Microsoft becomes cheaper.
The cost of the usage is dependant on the customer's requirements and if the virtual network is flexible or not. Since VMware is more flexible it can become superior but not cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise customers that are Microsoft users to use Hyper-V if they want to have more cost-efficiency. Additionally, if the customer uses a lot of Windows Server for the guest OS, I will recommend Hyper-V.
I rate Hyper-V an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. reseller
Manager
Easy to set up and offers language options beyond English but can be difficult to use
Pros and Cons
- "The interface is quite good."
- "The product is a great option for enterprise-level organizations."
- "The product can be a bit difficult to use."
- "The product can be a bit difficult to use. I find, for example, Citrix to be much less difficult."
What is our primary use case?
We provide services, such as virtualization, website hosting, and some infrastructure services. We provide all the services to the public companies.
What is most valuable?
The product is a great option for enterprise-level organizations.
The solution comes in many languages. We can have it set up in Portuguese, for example.
The interface is quite good.
The setup is pretty straightforward.
What needs improvement?
The product can be a bit difficult to use. I find, for example, Citrix to be much less difficult.
For how long have I used the solution?
It's hard to calculate how long we've used this solution. It's been a while.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I also work with Citrix. In my opinion, Citrix has the more complete online material.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. It's not a difficult process.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I was not involved in the acquisition of the solution, so I do not have exact details about the pricing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We are a public company, a government company, and, due to legislation, most of the time, we can't simply choose a vendor. If we need to acquire a contract solution, we make a technical study where the features are evaluated and the final specifications are always based on features, not on vendors, or manufacturers.
What other advice do I have?
We are service providers. We don't provide products. We are implementors.
In this company, we work mostly with on-premise solutions, such as hypervisors. For example, the Microsoft Hypervisors, Citrix Hypervisors, et cetera. Here in the company, we don't use exactly cloud solutions, or not entirely cloud. We use many hybrid solutions.
We didn't exactly choose this product. It was more a question of legacy. We've just kept using it over time. When I came to the company, they were using it, and we've continued to do so.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Technical Account Manager at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
User-friendly GUI, good technical support, but security needs improvement
Pros and Cons
- "I have found the GUI user-friendly and having the solution be a Windows application makes it familiar to users."
- "I have found the GUI user-friendly and having the solution be a Windows application makes it familiar to users."
- "VMware has antivirus protection that covers the entire VM. If Microsoft could have something similar to this in Hyper-V, that would be great."
- "The solution could be more stable as it is vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and malware."
What is our primary use case?
We use Hyper-V for virtualization.
What is most valuable?
I have found the GUI user-friendly and having the solution be a Windows application makes it familiar to users.
What needs improvement?
VMware has antivirus protection that covers the entire VM. If Microsoft could have something similar to this in Hyper-V, that would be great. Currently, in Hyper-V, we have to have a separate antivirus for each VM. If there could be umbrella coverage to the entire setup, then that would be beneficial.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Hyper-V for approximately 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution could be more stable as it is vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and malware.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately 100 customers using this solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
The support from Microsoft is good.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is very easy, it takes approximately 30 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
We have three supporting engineers that do the implementation of the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is a perpetual license to use the solution and there are additional fees for support.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Hyper-V a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Senior System Administrator at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Is easy to install, but the stability and scalability need improvement
Pros and Cons
- "It is very easy to install. It can be done in a day."
- "It is very easy to install, and it can be done in a day."
- "Hyper-V systems need a lot of admin effort because security updates and monthly updates require rebooting after the update."
- "Hyper-V systems need a lot of admin effort because security updates and monthly updates require rebooting after the update."
What is most valuable?
It is very easy to install. It can be done in a day.
What needs improvement?
Hyper-V systems need a lot of admin effort because security updates and monthly updates require rebooting after the update. For example, if you use Hyper-V, you should restart once a month. It is very hard to operate.
Also, it is very slow.
The stability and scalability could be improved. It could be more user friendly as well.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using it for, maybe, three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is not stable. There are problems with backup as well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is not scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
I am satisfied with technical support.
How was the initial setup?
It is very easy to install, and it can be done in a day.
What about the implementation team?
I installed it myself.
What other advice do I have?
I don't recommend Hyper-V and would rate it at six on a scale from one to ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Infrastructure Specialist at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees
A scalable and user-friendly native hypervisor
Pros and Cons
- "I like that it's easy to use."
- "Hyper-V is a scalable solution; we are a global center, and we use Hyper-V across 22 countries."
- "The backup site could be better. We used to face a lot of issues, and we are looking to solve that now. We are in the process of moving all the infrastructure to the cloud. It could also use more integration on the management part. We also need more integration on the monitoring sites."
- "The backup site could be better. We used to face a lot of issues, and we are looking to solve that now."
What is our primary use case?
We use it for anything like production and everything we're running on right now.
What is most valuable?
I like that it's easy to use.
What needs improvement?
The backup site could be better. We used to face a lot of issues, and we are looking to solve that now. We are in the process of moving all the infrastructure to the cloud. It could also use more integration on the management part. We also need more integration on the monitoring sites.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Hyper-V for four to five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It could be more stable. We faced a lot of issues on the backup site.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Hyper-V is a scalable solution. We are a global center, and we use Hyper-V across 22 countries.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also use VMware vSphere.
How was the initial setup?
It is a straightforward implementation. If you want to put Hyper-V as a single load, it will take about one to two hours. If you want high availability, it will take approximately four to five hours.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution.
What other advice do I have?
I have been using VMware and Hyper-V. Comparing the two, I love to use VMware more than Hyper-V. However, I would recommend this solution to potential users.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Hyper-V an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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