What Software is Best for Running Windows VMs These Days?

December 7, 2025 5 answers
Asked by TechyTaco123
I'm curious about which software people are currently using to run virtual machines on Windows systems. I used to rely on VirtualBox, but it's been quite a while since I explored my options. Is there something newer or better that I should be aware of? No bare metal hosting like Proxmox, just looking for VM solutions. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Answers

VMwareNerd77
I recently switched to VMware Workstation, and I find it much faster and more stable than VirtualBox. Theyโ€™re even giving it away for free now, which is a game changer. Definitely worth trying out!

CuriousCat22: Thanks for the tip! I had no idea VMware was free now!

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SandboxSullivan
If you're looking for something lightweight, Windows Sandbox is a good choice. Just be aware that it doesnโ€™t retain data after a restart, which is part of its design. Itโ€™s perfect for quick tests!

TechyTaco123: I understand thatโ€™s the point of it, but getting used to it can be tricky!

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LinuxLover88
For Windows VMs, Hyper-V is solid, but if youโ€™re using Linux, Proxmox is my go-to for server-side virtualization. It's really powerful for different use cases.
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JustAnotherGeek99
A lot of folks seem to prefer Hyper-V these days. It's built into Windows, works smoothly, and covers most needs really well. If you haven't tried it, I'd say give it a shot!
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OldSchoolVM89
Honestly, just avoid VirtualBox if you can. There are licensing issues that could bite you later. Stick to Hyper-V or VMware for safer choices.
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