Check VM Generation Version Hyper-V

Since Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft introduced a new VM Type called Generation 2 VM. There are some advantages using Generation (Gen) 2 VM such as Hot add/remove Virtual Network Adapter, Live expand the VHDX, or Secure Boot.

However, still, there are some reasons why you still use Generation 1 over Generation 2. Below the different of Generation 1 and Generation 2 VMs:

Generation 1

• Supports legacy drivers and BIOS based Architecture.
• Use BIOS Firmware.
• Provides 2 IDE controllers, IDE 0 and IDE 1 to attach up to two drives on each controller.
• Connect up to four SCSI controllers and up to 64 attached drives.
• Generation 1 Supports older versions of Microsoft Operating Systems, like Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and above.
• Supports both x86 and x64 Operating System.
• Both Generation 1 and Generation 2 Virtual Machines Support PXE boot.
• In generation 1 Virtual Machines, we need to add the Physical DVD drive on H

Generation 2

• Can only be created in Windows Server 2012R2 or later Versions.
• Uses UEFI Firmware as replacement of BIOS.
• Supports Guest Operating System VMs. (Win 2012, Win2012R2, Win 8.0(64bit) and Win 8.1(64bit).
• Provides Secure boot by default, and Secure Boot helps computer fight against the Virus infections and Malware attacks.
• No IDE controllers on Generation 2 Virtual Machines.
• Connect up to four SCSI controllers, attach 64 drives .
• x86 Operating System not Supported on Generation 2 Virtual Machines.
• Both Generation 1 and Generation 2 Virtual Machines Support PXE boot

Now, how we can check if the VM is Gen 1 or Gen 2?

Basicaly, you can check the Hyper-V Manager and see if the legacy device is in there or whether the VM is booting from a SCSI controller or IDE Controller. However, we can also use PowerShell Get-VM CmdLet to see the Generation type of all of your VMs. Below the example of the command:

PS C:\Install> Get-VM | ft Name, Generation
 Name                  Generation
 ----                  ----------
 FW                        1
 2008R2 (1796486)          1
 DC4                       2
 HV2                       2
 PFSENSE                   1
 DC1                       2
 DC2                       2
 FW                        1
 SCCM                      2
 SCVMM                     2
 SEADC1                    2

Or if you want to get all VMs on your Hyper-V Cluster, you can use the command below:

PS C:\Install> Get-VM -ComputerName (Get-ClusterNode).Name | ft Name, Generation
 Name                  Generation
 ----                  ----------
 FW                        1
 2008R2 (1796486)          1
 DC4                       2
 HV2                       2
 PFSENSE                   1
 ROUTER                    2
 DC1                       2
 DC2                       2
 FW                        1
 SCCM                      2
 SCVMM                     2
 SEADC1                    2
 DC2                       2
 CLIENT                    2
 SFBBE                     2
 SQL03                     2
 SQL04                     2

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