8 Best Virtual Machine Software for Windows PC (2025)

Seamless computing experiences begin with the right virtualization tools. The Best Virtual Machine Software allows users to run different operating systems simultaneously, improving flexibility and system efficiency. A Virtualization Manager acts as a critical virtual machine monitoring and management tool, optimizing resources for performance stability. I have leveraged these solutions to enhance security, software testing, and development. Emerging trends focus on cloud-integrated virtualization for scalable computing.

After spending over 351 hours testing and analyzing more than 43 virtual machine solutions, I have carefully curated a list of the best free and paid virtual Machines Software for Windows, Linux and Mac. This well-researched, in-depth guide provides a transparent breakdown of features, pros and cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision. In my past experience, a poorly optimized VM tool significantly slowed my workflow, reinforcing the need for trusted and safe recommendations. Read more…

Best Free Virtual Machine (VM) Software for Windows & Mac

Name	Best For	Ease of Use	Platform	Free Trial	Link
👍 Site24x7’s VM	Best for VM monitoring and optimization	Medium	iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux	30-Days Free Trial	Learn More
Parallels	Best for Mac users who need Windows apps	High	Mac	14-Days Free Trial	Learn More
Hyper-V	Best for Windows developers	Medium	Windows, Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian guest OS	Free Download	Learn More
VirtualBox	Best for open-source VM needs	Medium	Linux, Mac, Windows, Solaris, and OpenSolaris	Free Download	Learn More
QEMU	Best for multi-OS virtualization	Low	Windows, Linux, Mac, BSD, Solaris	Free Download	Learn More

1) Site24x7’s VM Monitoring

Best for VM monitoring and optimization

Site24x7’s VM Monitoring offers a robust platform to oversee your virtual infrastructure. I particularly appreciate its support for multiple platforms like VMware, Nutanix, Hyper-V, and Docker, which ensures comprehensive monitoring across diverse environments. The tool’s automatic discovery of VMs, coupled with detailed performance reports and intuitive dashboards, allows me to manage complex virtual systems effortlessly. By tracking essential metrics such as CPU and memory usage, I can proactively address potential issues, ensuring optimal performance and efficient resource allocation.

In my opinion, for those seeking the best virtual machine software solutions, Site24x7’s VM Monitoring is a top-notch choice, combining user-friendly design with powerful monitoring features. IT administrators often find that Site24x7’s VM Monitoring enables them to detect and resolve performance bottlenecks swiftly, leading to improved system uptime and user satisfaction.

Features:

• VMware Monitoring: I have noticed that Site24x7’s VM Monitoring provides complete insights into vSphere environments. It covers vCenter, ESX/ESXi hosts, VMs, datastores, and resource pools. I like this because it detects performance anomalies early and utilizes AI-powered insights to forecast future trends. This helps in proactively resolving issues before they impact performance. Additionally, administrators can analyze trends over time, making data-driven decisions in a user-centric manner.
• Nutanix Infrastructure: Site24x7’s VM Monitoring enables comprehensive Nutanix monitoring by covering clusters, hosts, and VMs. I have tested this, and it is one of the most effective ways to track resource usage trends over different timelines. This helps in ensuring optimal allocation of computational resources, avoiding bottlenecks that could slow down performance. Besides, it allows administrators to fine-tune workloads based on real-time analytics.
• Automatic VM Discovery: One of the easiest ways to manage virtual environments is through automatic detection of VM infrastructure components. Site24x7’s VM Monitoring ensures a hassle-free setup by identifying and adding VMs without manual intervention. I have observed that this significantly reduces configuration time, allowing administrators to focus on optimization and performance. Moreover, it is great for keeping track of newly added VMs, ensuring continuous monitoring without compromise. During a critical overhaul, I leveraged Automatic VM Discovery; its seamless detection streamlined setup, minimized manual errors, and allowed me to focus on optimization, resulting in rapid deployment and monitoring.
• Intuitive Dashboards: Site24x7’s VM Monitoring offers visually rich dashboards that display real-time performance insights, graphs, and reports. I have noticed that these dashboards help administrators understand key metrics quickly, leading to better decision-making. Additionally, the dashboards are customizable, which ensures that users focus on what matters most to their infrastructure. Typically, I could analyze historical trends and detect performance deviations without complexity.
• Customizable Alerts: It is best to have proactive alerts to ensure system health. Site24x7’s VM Monitoring lets users define threshold limits for various performance metrics. I have seen that once these thresholds are exceeded, an alert is triggered, allowing rapid responses to potential issues. This helps in preventing downtime and optimizing resource utilization efficiently. Moreover, notifications can be customized to suit different monitoring priorities.
• Hyper-V Health Check: This feature tracks the health and performance of Hyper-V hosts and VMs, covering processor activity, virtual network adapters, and storage performance. I have observed that it is essential for detecting bottlenecks before they affect the system. Additionally, detailed performance insights help in ensuring workloads run smoothly without interruptions. Consequently, I could make better decisions on resource allocation and overall system stability.

Pricing:

• Price: The plan pricing is as follows: Pro at $35/month, Classic at $89/month, and Enterprise at $225/month, all billed annually.
• Free Trial: 30-day free trial – no credit card required.

Visit Site24x7 >>

30-Day free trial

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2) Parallels

Best for Mac users who need Windows apps

Parallels is a versatile virtual machine program that allows Mac users to run Windows applications seamlessly. I found that with Parallels, I can install and operate Windows, Linux, or another instance of macOS alongside my primary system, switching between them effortlessly without rebooting. This capability is essential for accessing Windows-exclusive applications or testing across different OS environments.

Parallels supports both Intel and Apple silicon Macs, ensuring broad compatibility. Its user-friendly interface and robust performance make it a top choice for reliable and efficient virtualization on Mac. Many graphic designers use Parallels to run Windows-only design software on their Macs, enhancing their creative workflows without the need for separate hardware.

Features:

• Optimized Performance: Site24x7’s VM Monitoring focuses on delivering consistent, optimized performance across your virtual machines. It tracks CPU, memory, and disk usage in real time to ensure no single resource becomes a bottleneck. While using this, one thing I noticed is that it automatically highlights anomalies, making it easy to prevent system slowdowns before they affect end users.
• Seamless OS Integration: Site24x7’s solution supports a wide range of operating systems, which allows businesses to monitor diverse environments under one dashboard. This includes Windows, Linux, and hybrid setups. I recommend enabling unified alerts across these systems because it keeps your IT team proactive and reduces manual oversight significantly.
• Detailed Resource Analytics: You get deep visibility into each VM’s performance metrics, including process-level insights and network statistics. The tool lets you drill down into historical trends, making it easier to plan capacity and optimize workloads. I suggest reviewing these trends monthly to spot hidden inefficiencies and allocate resources better in future updates.
• Automated Remediation: Site24x7’s automated actions can fix common issues without manual intervention, such as restarting a service or scaling resources. I have set up these automation rules in a high-traffic e-commerce environment and found that they reduced downtime incidents dramatically. This gave us more time to focus on core business activities rather than firefighting technical glitches.
• Security and Access Control: The tool includes advanced security settings like role-based access and detailed audit logs to track every change. I tested these in a client’s multi-team environment, and it offered precise control over who can view or edit specific VM settings. This is especially useful for preventing accidental misconfigurations and keeping sensitive workloads secure.
• Customizable Dashboards and Reports: Site24x7 offers highly customizable dashboards, allowing you to tailor visualizations and alerts based on your team’s needs. I created a custom dashboard to highlight only critical VM health metrics during a migration project, which helped me prioritize tasks effectively. This flexibility empowers teams to monitor what truly matters without information overload.

Pricing:

• Price: The plan starts at $89.99/year for Standard Edition, $95.99/year for Pro Edition, and $149.99/year for Business Edition.
• Free Trial: Free for 14-days.

Link: https://www.parallels.com/

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3) Hyper-V

Best for Windows developers

Hyper-V is a robust virtualization tool that I have found invaluable for creating and managing virtual machines on a Windows PC. It allows me to run multiple operating systems simultaneously, providing a flexible and efficient computing environment. This capability is essential for tasks like testing new software or running applications that require different operating systems.

In my experience, Hyper-V’s seamless integration with Windows and its user-friendly interface make it a top choice for those seeking the best virtual machine for Windows. Software developers often rely on Hyper-V to test applications across various operating systems without the need for multiple physical machines. This approach streamlines the development process and reduces hardware costs.

Features:

• Hyper-V Replica: I have observed that Hyper-V Replica is an essential feature for disaster recovery. It allows you to create copies of virtual machines and store them in a different physical location. This helps you rapidly restore virtual machines in case of system failures. It is best for businesses that require an efficient backup strategy. Additionally, I noticed that it consistently provides reliable recovery, ensuring business continuity without compromise.
• Live Migration: Hyper-V supports Live Migration, which helps you move running virtual machines from one host to another with ease. This ensures minimal disruption to operations and provides flexibility in workload management. I have noticed that it is one of the easiest ways to balance workloads efficiently. I suggest using Live Migration when planning hardware maintenance because it allows seamless transitions without affecting user productivity or critical services.
• Virtual Switch: Hyper-V offers a Virtual Switch that enhances network communication between virtual machines. It is best for configuring network isolation, security policies, and VLANs without compromise. I have seen that this feature is helpful to administrators who need secure and highly efficient networking between virtualized environments. Moreover, it provides a smart way to centralize and strengthen your network management strategy.
• Secure Boot: I have tested Secure Boot, and it is a great way to prevent unauthorized firmware, operating systems, or drivers from loading. This helps protect against rootkits and malware attacks that could compromise virtual machines. One of the best things about it is that it ensures your virtualized environment stays secure by verifying digital signatures before allowing software to run. During a security audit for a multinational corporation, I enabled Secure Boot to mitigate potential breaches. This proactive measure fortified our virtual environment, ensuring compliance and significantly reducing malware incidents.
• Virtual Fiber Channel: It is best to use the Virtual Fiber Channel when you need direct connections between virtual machines and fiber channel storage arrays. This ensures high-performance storage solutions for enterprise applications. I have observed that it provides consistent throughput and secure access to storage without disruption. This helps businesses that require reliable and scalable storage solutions for critical data-heavy workloads.
• Dynamic Memory: Hyper-V’s Dynamic Memory feature allows you to allocate memory resources to virtual machines based on demand in real time. This improves overall resource efficiency and reduces wastage. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed is that it automatically reallocates unused memory to other VMs that need it most, keeping performance stable across the environment. This is especially valuable when running multiple applications with fluctuating workloads.

Pricing:

• Price: Free to Download

Link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/

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4) VirtualBox

Best for open-source VM needs

VirtualBox is an impressive virtualization application that I have used to seamlessly run various operating systems on my Windows PC. Its intuitive design and extensive capabilities make it ideal for both technical experts and beginners. As per my research, VirtualBox is among the best open-source virtualization software options currently accessible. Cybersecurity professionals use VirtualBox to simulate various network configurations, aiding in the development and testing of security protocols.

Features:

• Full Virtualization: I have used VirtualBox to enable full virtualization for x86 and x86_64 architectures. This helps in running multiple operating systems on a single hardware machine. It’s important to take advantage of hardware acceleration features like Intel VT-x and AMD-V for optimized performance. This ensures a smoothly running virtual environment without compromising efficiency.
• Snapshot Management: I noticed that VirtualBox provides an essential feature that allows users to take snapshots of their virtual machines. This is a great way to capture the system state at a specific moment. This helps in testing and rollback scenarios, so you can rapidly restore a VM to a previous state without going through a full reinstallation. I recommend using snapshots before making major updates because it lets you revert easily if something breaks during the process.
• EFI and UEFI Support: VirtualBox provides EFI and UEFI firmware support, which is required for modern operating systems. This helps in maintaining compatibility with newer OS versions and secure boot mechanisms. It is best to use this feature when working with operating systems that demand secure boot environments. This has been especially useful when testing Windows 11 and certain Linux distributions that rely on UEFI for installation and secure loading.
• Virtual Networking: VirtualBox provides several virtual networking modes, including NAT, Bridged, Host-Only, and Internal networking. These options are helpful to configure custom network environments for testing, development, and secure communication. It’s important to choose the appropriate network mode depending on your project in order to ensure secure and efficient networking. As a network engineer, I leveraged virtual networking modes for isolated testing and secure development environments. This feature enabled efficient configuration, improving connectivity and reducing troubleshooting time in complex setups.
• Command Line Interface: Using VirtualBox’s command-line interface (VBoxManage) is one of the most effective ways to automate VM management tasks. It is great for scripting, bulk operations, and integration with DevOps workflows. I have noticed that this feature is particularly helpful when managing multiple VMs without needing a graphical interface. I suggest exploring VBoxManage commands because they save significant time and allow fine-grained control over your virtual infrastructure.
• Shared Folders: VirtualBox offers shared folder functionality, which makes it easy to exchange files between the host system and virtual machines. This helps improve workflow efficiency when moving scripts, data files, or software installers. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed is that it seamlessly integrates with guest OS environments, making file transfers straightforward and reliable. This is especially valuable for developers who need quick access to local resources during testing or development sessions.

Pricing:

• Price: Free to Download

Link: https://www.virtualbox.org/

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5) QEMU

Best for multi-OS virtualization

QEMU is a comprehensive free virtual machine software that facilitates running operating systems and applications from one machine on a different one. While conducting my evaluation, I found that its open-source framework and support for multiple hardware architectures make it an ideal solution for various needs.

I was able to test software across different platforms or explore new operating systems without making changes to my main system. This capability to emulate both full systems and individual programs is phenomenal, serving the needs of both beginners and advanced users.​ Embedded system engineers used QEMU to test firmware updates before flashing them onto physical devices. This minimized hardware failures and streamlined the development process.

Features:

• Open-Source: I like this because QEMU is an open-source project that is consistently updated by an active community. This helps in integrating with other virtualization platforms, making it an adaptable tool to your needs. It’s important to consider this when working on custom extensions or modifying features to meet specific requirements.
• User-mode Emulation: QEMU allows you to run applications for different Linux/BSD environments on various architectures. This helps developers test software in a user-centric manner before deployment. It’s important to pay attention to compatibility and performance factors while using this feature.
• Disk Image Support: QEMU allows you to use multiple disk image formats, such as QCOW2, VMDK, and RAW. This ensures your storage management remains flexible and helps you migrate virtual machines without compromise. If you need a versatile disk management solution, consider using this feature for optimized performance.
• Networking Capabilities: It offers various networking modes, including user-mode, TAP, and bridged networking. This helps in configuring virtual machines for secure and reliable connectivity. One of the easiest ways to enhance your virtual machine’s networking is by selecting the mode that aligns with your use case.
• Graphical Interface: It is best to use SPICE or VNC when managing virtual machines, as they provide a smooth and responsive experience. This helps in controlling multiple virtual environments without compromise. Pay attention to display settings for the most effective graphical performance.
• CPU and Memory Allocation: This allows you to precisely allocate CPU cores and RAM, ensuring optimized efficiency. I have observed that defining specific resource limits helps you achieve better system performance. It’s a good idea to fine-tune allocations based on workload demands. While optimizing my virtual environment with QEMU, I precisely allocated CPU cores and RAM. This practice elevated remarkably system performance and reliability, enabling my team to handle high-demand workloads effortlessly.

Pricing:

• Price: It is free open-source software.

Link: https://www.qemu.org/

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6) Red Hat Virtualization

Best for enterprise-level virtualization

Red Hat Virtualization is a solid virtual machine software that I reviewed extensively. It delivers a reliable platform for handling diverse workloads across Linux and Windows systems. The integration with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and KVM technology ensures a secure and efficient virtualization environment. I particularly liked its centralized management capabilities, which simplified the oversight of multiple virtual machines.

For enterprises aiming to enhance their IT infrastructure, I recommend Red Hat Virtualization as an excellent solution. Large manufacturers virtualize their supply chain management systems using Red Hat Virtualization. This improves logistics tracking, production planning, and inventory control, ensuring a seamless and efficient manufacturing process.

Features:

• Enterprise-Grade Hypervisor: Red Hat Virtualization uses the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor, ensuring secure and efficient virtualization for Windows PCs. I have observed that this solution provides optimized efficiency while handling workloads. Additionally, it is one of the best options for organizations required to manage multiple VMs without compromise.
• Centralized Management: Red Hat Virtualization provides a web-based management interface that allows you to oversee virtual machines, storage, and networking from a single dashboard. I found it to be one of the easiest ways to manage multiple virtual machines. Moreover, this solution simplifies VM provisioning while maintaining security and efficiency.
• GPU Passthrough: This helps enable direct GPU access for VMs, which is essential for graphical applications and intensive workloads. I have tested this with various setups, and it significantly improves graphics performance. Consequently, it is a great option for professionals working with 3D rendering, machine learning, and video processing.
• Nested Virtualization: It is best for users who need to run virtual machines within other VMs. I have noticed that this feature is particularly useful for testing environments. Additionally, it ensures that developers can rapidly simulate complex multi-layered virtual setups without compromise.
• Automated Deployment: Red Hat Virtualization supports Ansible automation, which allows you to create and configure virtual machines in an automated manner. I have seen that this is one of the most effective ways to save time and resources when scaling infrastructure. Besides, this solution ensures consistent and error-free deployment across various environments.
• Resource Scheduling: This feature uses intelligent workload balancing to optimize VM placement and improve efficiency. I have observed that it is best for organizations looking to avoid resource bottlenecks. Frequently, this helps in allocating computing power precisely, making sure that all workloads run smoothly and efficiently. After implementing resource scheduling in my organization, I observed seamless workload distribution. Our operations became more efficient, and bottlenecks disappeared, resulting in smoother performance and significant cost savings overall indeed.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: It offers a 60-day free trial.

Link: https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/virtualization/enterprise-virtualization

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7) Boot Camp

Best for those who want to run Windows applications on Mac

Boot Camp is a powerful utility that I have checked for installing Windows on my Intel-based Mac. While conducting my evaluation, I noticed that it enables me to run Windows applications natively, which is essential for certain professional applications. This capability is helpful to users who need to access Windows-specific software without the need for additional hardware. I recommend Boot Camp for its efficiency and seamless integration of both operating systems. For example, architects often use this feature to run Windows-exclusive design software, improving their project workflows.​

Features:

• Native Dual Boot: Boot Camp allows you to install and run Windows natively on an Intel-based Mac, ensuring full system performance without compromise. I have noticed that this approach is one of the most effective ways to experience Windows on a Mac without virtualization overhead. It is best for users who need maximum performance, especially when running resource-intensive applications like gaming or software development tools. While consulting with a software firm, I deployed Native Dual Boot and witnessed performance gains during resource-intensive simulations, ensuring seamless, high-speed operations that dramatically improved overall productivity and system responsiveness.
• Boot Camp Assistant: Using Boot Camp Assistant is one of the easiest ways to set up Windows on a Mac. This built-in tool helps you partition the drive, create a Windows installer, and download the required drivers for seamless compatibility. I have tested this process, and it is best to follow the assistant’s step-by-step guide carefully to avoid errors. Typically, the installation runs smoothly when following the prompts, ensuring that everything is set up precisely.
• Keyboard Mapping Customization: Boot Camp provides a dedicated tool to remap macOS-specific keys to fit Windows functionality. This feature is helpful for users frequently switching between macOS and Windows. I have observed that mapping the Command key to act as the Control key makes shortcuts feel more intuitive in Windows. Additionally, adjusting the Option key improves navigation, making the transition between both operating systems hassle-free.
• Audio & Microphone Optimization: Boot Camp drivers ensure that audio output and microphone functionality work without compromise. I noticed that external audio devices and MacBook speakers are fully supported, which is essential for clear sound quality in Windows. I recommend checking the Boot Camp Control Panel to fine-tune audio levels because it helps achieve crisp sound and avoids microphone feedback issues during calls or recordings. This ensures a professional and seamless multimedia experience when using Windows on a Mac.
• Free Software: Boot Camp is included for free with macOS, making it one of the best solutions for running Windows without purchasing additional virtualization software. I like this because it saves time and resources while offering a native experience. This is a great option for users who frequently need to switch between Windows and macOS while keeping costs low. Consequently, users can allocate their budget toward other essential tools instead of virtualization subscriptions.
• Graphics Card Support: Boot Camp takes advantage of your Mac’s dedicated GPU when running Windows, delivering better graphics performance for demanding applications. I have tested this with design software and 3D modeling tools and saw significant improvements in rendering speed. The tool lets you switch between integrated and discrete graphics depending on workload requirements, which helps you balance battery life and performance during intensive tasks. This makes it an excellent choice for designers and engineers working across both platforms.

Pricing:

• Price: It is free software.

Link: https://support.apple.com/boot-camp

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8) Kernel Virtual Machine

Best for its full virtualization for Linux on x86 computers

Kernel Virtual Machine (KVM) is an efficient virtualization software. During my research, I noticed its deep integration with the Linux kernel, which allows me to run multiple virtual machines effortlessly. KVM, as an open-source software, offers compatibility with a wide range of guest operating systems, such as various Linux distributions and Windows versions, which is particularly impressive. I recommend KVM for its ability to leverage existing Linux features, ensuring optimal performance and security. For instance, IT administrators often deploy KVM to consolidate server workloads, enhancing resource utilization and reducing operational costs.

Features:

• Processor Virtualization: I have observed that Kernel Virtual Machine leverages Intel VT and AMD-V extensions to enable hardware-assisted virtualization. This helps improve efficiency and reduces CPU load significantly. One of the best ways to enhance virtualization performance is by ensuring that processor virtualization is enabled in the system BIOS. It is best to check system compatibility beforehand, as older CPUs may lack these features.
• QEMU User Space Component: Kernel Virtual Machine works smoothly with QEMU, a versatile emulator, to offer enhanced virtual machine management. I like this because it allows you to run multiple guest operating systems without compromise. This helps in simplifying virtual environments while maintaining high efficiency. I would suggest users combine KVM with QEMU for optimum level efficiency.
• Virtual CPU Scaling: I noticed that configuring multiple virtual CPUs per guest is a great option for workloads requiring parallel processing. This feature helps you improve performance by distributing tasks across multiple virtual cores. It’s important to allocate resources precisely, ensuring that no virtual machine consumes more than required. Consider adjusting CPU limits based on real-time usage to maintain stability.
• Memory Overcommitment: Kernel Virtual Machine supports dynamic memory allocation, enabling memory overcommitment to maximize resource efficiency. This helps when running multiple virtual machines without unnecessary resource wastage. It is best to monitor frequently and adjust the settings accordingly to avoid system slowdowns. A great way to manage this efficiently is by using ballooning techniques, which allow you to reclaim memory dynamically.
• NUMA Support: It is essential to optimize Kernel Virtual Machine for NUMA architectures, especially on high-end multi-socket systems. I have tested this and found that properly configuring NUMA nodes can significantly boost performance. A good idea to improve system responsiveness is by aligning virtual CPUs with physical NUMA nodes. Consequently, this reduces memory latency and enhances application efficiency.
• Private Virtualized Hardware: Each virtual machine gets its own virtualized network card, disk, graphics adapter, and other peripherals, ensuring complete system isolation. I have seen that this feature is great for securing virtual environments. The most effective approach typically involves assigning dedicated resources to each guest OS. This ensures your system remains stable while maintaining high performance across multiple VMs. Through personal experience, I allocated dedicated hardware to individual VMs, resulting in enhanced security and performance. Our IT department witnessed reduced interference, affirming this feature’s critical role in system design.

Pricing:

• Price: It is free open-source software.

Link: https://www.linux-kvm.org/page/Main_Page

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Site24x7’s VM Monitoring	Parallels	Hyper-V	VirtualBox
Best For	Monitoring & optimization	Mac users needing Windows apps	Windows developers	Open-source enthusiasts
Pricing	Starts at $35/month	From $89.99/year	Free	Free
Free Trial	30 days	14 days	Free	Free
Supported OS	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android	macOS	Windows, Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian guest OS	Linux, Mac, Windows, Solaris, and OpenSolaris
Ease of Use	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Security Features	Custom alerts, Hyper-V health, secure metrics	Encryption, secure integration	Secure Boot	EFI/UEFI
Resource Allocation/Monitoring	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️

How Did We Choose Best Virtual Machine Software?

At Guru99, we are committed to providing credible, accurate, and relevant information. Our editorial process ensures that every piece of content is thoroughly researched and reviewed for reliability. After investing over 351 hours in testing and analyzing 43+ virtual machine solutions, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best free and paid virtual machine software for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Virtual machines play a crucial role in modern computing by enabling users to run multiple operating systems seamlessly. We focus on the following factors while reviewing a tool based on performance, security, ease of use, and user experience.

• Performance Benchmarks: We chose solutions optimized for efficiency by conducting rigorous performance benchmarks, ensuring ultra-responsive virtual environments and rapid execution of demanding tasks.
• Operating System Compatibility: Our team made sure to shortlist software offering broad operating system compatibility, allowing you to run diverse guest OS environments smoothly and without compromise.
• User-Friendly Interface: Ease of use was essential in our selection, with our experts favoring virtual machine software featuring intuitive interfaces and hassle-free setup for all users.
• Resource Management Capabilities: We prioritized tools providing robust resource management capabilities, helping you to precisely allocate and control CPU, memory, and storage for each virtual machine.
• Feature Richness: Our experts selected software with a rich feature set, including snapshots, cloning, and shared folders, enhancing productivity and streamlining virtual machine management.
• Security and Reliability: Security remained paramount in our evaluation, as we aimed to recommend reliable virtual machine software with innovative security features to protect your virtual environments.
• Customer Support and Documentation: We considered customer support and comprehensive documentation, ensuring you will always have access to helpful resources and responsive assistance if needed.

How to set up a Virtual Machine?

Following is a step-by-step process on how to set up a Virtual Machine:

• Step 1) Download any free Windows virtual machine software from the above-given list.
• Step 2) Install the software on your system.
• Step 3) Download the .iso file of the OS you want to install.
• Step 4) Open the installation file and complete the installation of Virtual Machine software with the OS you want to install.
• Step 5) Now, double-click on the .exe file and open Virtual Machine.

What are the benefits of using a Virtual Machine?

Here are some benefits of using a Virtual Machine:

• You can access the applications or operating systems installed on a centralized machine using virtualization.
• You can also use virtualization for networking functions, servers, and data sharing.
• It also helps in stimulating the environment by using one hardware that is also called a Hypervisor.
• You can use the original machine along with another system, which is virtual.
• It offers security options and helps you in keeping your data safe.

Verdict

FAQs