📄️ Overview & system prep
Virtual machines (VMs) allow you to run full operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, on your Unraid server, side-by-side with Docker containers.
📄️ VM setup
Setting up a virtual machine (VM) on Unraid is a flexible way to run full operating systems - such as Windows, Linux, or other platforms - alongside your containers and native apps. Whether you want to test new software, run legacy applications, host a desktop environment, or utilize hardware passthrough for gaming or creative work, Unraid’s VM Manager makes the process approachable for all skill levels.
📄️ Windows on a VM
Windows is one of the most popular guest operating systems for Unraid users, especially for gaming, productivity, and support for legacy applications. Here are essential considerations for running Windows %%VM|vm%%.
📄️ Unraid as a VM
Running Unraid as a virtual machine on your primary Unraid server can be very helpful for development, testing, and evaluation. This configuration allows you to:
📄️ VM conversion & migration
When consolidating hardware, preserving legacy systems, or testing upgrades in a virtual environment, you may need to convert a physical disk or migrate an existing system into a %%virtual machine|vm%% on Unraid. This process applies to both Linux and Windows systems, enabling you to run your installation as a %%VM|vm%% within your Unraid server.