# [Create Linux virtual machines with Hyper-V](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/hyper-v/)

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/hyper-v/)
- [Create a Linux virtual machine using Hyper-V](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/hyper-v/hyper-v/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/hyper-v/_next-steps/)

## About this Learning Path

| Skill level:      | Introductory       |
|-------------------|--------------------|
| Reading time:     | 1 hr               |
| Last updated:     | 29 Jul 2026        |

| Author:            | Jason Andrews, Arm [GitHub](https://github.com/jasonrandrews) [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/jason-andrews-7b05a8) |
|--------------------|--------------------|
| Arm IP:            | [Cortex-A](https://support.arm.com/?tab=compute-ip&Product%20Type=Application%20Processors) |
| Tags:              | [Migration to Arm](https://learn.arm.com/tag/migration-to-arm), [Windows](https://learn.arm.com/tag/windows), [Linux](https://learn.arm.com/tag/linux), [Hyper-V](https://learn.arm.com/tag/hyper-v) |

### Who is this for?
This is an introductory topic for software developers who want to use Linux virtual machines (VMs) with Windows on Arm devices.

### What will you learn?
Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:
- Create Arm-based Linux VMs using Hyper-V.

### Prerequisites
Before starting, you will need the following:
- A Windows on Arm computer such as the Lenovo Thinkpad X13s running Windows 11 with [Hyper-V](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/hyper-v/) installed.

### Summary
You’ll create an Arm-based Ubuntu 24.04 VM on a Windows on Arm device with Hyper-V. You’ll download the Arm ISO, create the VM manually, attach the ISO, and boot the Linux installer. You can adapt these steps as a repeatable process for other Arm Linux distributions.

### Frequently asked questions
<details>
<summary>Which Ubuntu image do I need to download?</summary>
Download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file for Arm. Use the Arm-specific ISO so the VM can boot and install correctly on Windows on Arm hardware.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Can I use Hyper-V Quick Create on my Windows on Arm device?</summary>
No. Don’t use Quick Create with Windows on Arm devices. Instead, create the VM manually.
</details>

<details>
<summary>How do I know if I’m on a Windows version that can run Linux VMs?</summary>
You need Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Confirm your Windows version before you start creating the VM.
</details>

<details>
<summary>What result should I expect when I start the VM from the ISO?</summary>
The VM should boot into the Linux installer. If it doesn’t, verify you used the Arm ISO and created the VM manually rather than with Quick Create.
</details>

<details>
<summary>I want to use a different Linux distribution. What should I change?</summary>
Ubuntu is used in the Learning Path as an example. Use the same approach with the Arm ISO and documentation of the distribution of your choice as you adapt the steps.
</details>