Download the latest installation media from the Microsoft Software Download Page.
This allows the guest OS to tell the QCOW2 file to shrink when files are deleted, preventing "image bloat."
creates a 50GB virtual hard drive that only takes up as much space as the data stored within it. Chapter 3: The Installation When setting up the VM in Virt-Manager , the disk bus and network model should be set to
Windows 10’s TRIM command is not being passed through. Solution: Enable discard in the VM XML ( <driver discard='unmap'/> ) and run Optimize-Volume -DriveLetter C -ReTrim -Verbose inside Windows.
: Download the official ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center or via the Media Creation Tool.
Unlike physical drives, virtual storage environments expand and contract fluidly. Managing this lifecycle maintains overall storage host health. Reclaiming Unused Storage Space (TRIM/DISCARD)
Use scripts like Windows 10 Debloater to remove background processes that eat up CPU cycles in virtual environments.
Enable the option (or discard='unmap' ) in your VM XML configuration.
Regardless of your method, Windows will boot from the ISO and start the installation.
qemu-img create -f qcow2 windows10.qcow2 60G
You can create a "base" Windows 10 qcow2 image (fully activated and updated) and then create dozens of "overlay" images for individual users or tests. Each overlay is just a few MB initially and only stores differences. This is a game-changer for labs.
While Microsoft does not officially distribute Windows in QCOW2 format (they typically provide ), you can create one using several methods: Windows 10 preview - My experiences - Hacker's ramblings
Once installed, the "story" ends with optimization. Users often "debloat" the Windows installation using tools like the Chris Titus Tech utility