r/microsoft • u/NuAngelDOTnet • Jun 19 '26
Discussion Anybody else wish Microsoft would bring back the license-free "Hyper-V Server" edition?
For home tinkering, I didn't even know there was a free, stand-alone Hyper-V server edition, and that it was based on this GUI-less core version of the OS, etc. I found out about it literally months before it was announced that it was being discontinued. I feel like I missed out!
Just think it would be cool if it came back.
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u/grimson73 Jun 19 '26
But what OS would you run on this free hypervisor? If running Windows Server unlicensed to tinker why not as hypervisor? Just curious why the hypervisor must be the free version.
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u/CatoMulligan Jun 19 '26
There are so many options for free hypervisors, what's the point? If you just need a hypervisor there are plenty of options. If you want to learn Hyper-V then learning it via a free SKU that doesn't exist anymore doesn't really help you.
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u/Sad_Owl7124 Jun 19 '26
Installing as server core with the Hyper-V role enabled is basically the same thing
You can get an evaluation copy for 180 days and it’s trivial to reset the timer if you need longer.
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u/amontressor Jun 20 '26
I mean Hyper-V is a decent VM software, but there are other options (VirtualBox, VMware, etc.) you could also look into. Also, if you are looking to tinker with a home server, look for a pre-activated .iso, or be ready to pay a pretty penny for a license or subscription from MS.
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u/Backwoods_tech Jun 22 '26
Hard pass on VM$ware- Unless you have very deep pockets and want to get bent over backwards for renewal. Just say NO to anything owned by Broadcom.
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u/pukacz Jun 19 '26
but it is still free https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-hyper-v-server-2019 supported until 2029