I'm new to virtualization and Active Directory and I'm trying to figure out the best setup. Should I install Windows Server and then use Hyper-V for virtualization, or is it better to install ESXi directly on bare metal and run Windows Server as a VM? I understand that both methods achieve similar outcomes, but I'm curious about the best practices for each approach.
4 Answers
Honestly, both setups can get the job done. It's more about learning the system that suits your environment. If you're going all Windows, just remember you're focusing on one OS until you get more experienced.
It ultimately depends on your context. VMware can be pricey at this point, so keep that in mind. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Proxmox is a good alternative. But if you're aiming for familiarity in an enterprise, you'll likely see Hyper-V more often. Just know that managing each has its quirks.
There's no one-size-fits-all best practice when it comes to choosing a hypervisor. It really depends on your specific needs. For someone like you, experimenting with both setups is totally fine. If you lean towards VMware, installing ESXi on bare metal and then having Windows Server as a VM is a solid choice. The same goes for Hyper-V; just keep it simple and run Hyper-V on the base hardware, focusing solely on virtualization.
The best practices really hinge on what you're aiming to do. If it's just for a home lab, pick whatever you're comfortable with. In a corporate environment, it's best to follow the advice of your security team or IT leadership because they will have guidelines tailored to your organizational needs.
That's helpful! So if I go the Hyper-V route, where should I set up roles like Active Directory? Should I run it on the base Windows Server or create a new VM for it?