Running Linux in a Gen2 Virtual Machine

Find out whether you can run Linux in a Generation 2 virtual machine.

John Savill

July 11, 2014

1 Min Read
Penguin to represent Linux

Q: Can I run Linux in a Generation 2 Hyper-V virtual machine?

A: A Generation 2 virtual machine is a UEFI-based virtual environment that doesn't have an IDE controller and instead boots from the synthetic SCSI controller. Therefore, to boot in a Generation 2 virtual machine, the operating system has to:

  • Natively support UEFI (without requiring a Compatibility Support Module—CSM—that emulates a BIOS)

  • Natively include the Hyper-V SCSI controller synthetic driver and be able to boot from it

  • Support Secure Boot (or disable it as part of the virtual machine settings)

Certain Linux distributions currently support Generation 2 virtual machines but require Secure Boot to be disabled. I've tested Ubuntu 14.04 64-bit (make sure you use the 64-bit version of Ubuntu 14.04). You also get Dynamic Memory support and the new backup integration support.

About the Author

Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.

You May Also Like