Configure Hyper-V Virtual Switch in Windows 11

This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough for creating and configuring Hyper-V Virtual Switches in Windows 11. You will learn the distinct purposes of External, Internal, and Private switch types, followed by step-by-step instructions to create each network type using the Hyper-V Virtual Switch Manager and assign them to your virtual machines.

Understanding Hyper-V Virtual Switch Types

Before creating a switch, choose the type that matches your networking requirements:

• External: Binds directly to a physical network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Virtual machines (VMs) can communicate with the host operating system, other physical devices on your local network, and access the internet.
• Internal: Creates a virtual network accessible only to VMs running on the host and the host operating system itself. It does not provide direct internet access or communication with other physical devices on the local network.
• Private: Restricts communication strictly between VMs running on the same host. The host operating system cannot communicate across this network, and there is no external or internet access.

How to Access Virtual Switch Manager

1. Press Windows Key + S, type Hyper-V Manager, and press Enter.
2. In the left navigation pane, select your host machine.
3. In the right Actions pane, click Virtual Switch Manager….

Creating an External Virtual Switch

An external switch allows your VMs to reach your physical router and the internet.

1. In the Virtual Switch Manager window, select New virtual network switch in the left pane.
2. Select External under “What type of virtual switch do you want to create?” and click Create Virtual Switch.
3. Enter a descriptive Name (e.g., External-Switch).
4. Under Connection type, ensure External network is selected.
5. Select your active physical network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) from the drop-down menu.
6. (Optional) Check Allow management operating system to share this network adapter if you want the Windows 11 host to maintain network connectivity through the same physical adapter.
7. Click Apply, then confirm any temporary network disruption prompt by clicking Yes.
8. Click OK to finish.

Creating an Internal Virtual Switch

An internal switch allows communication between VMs and the Windows 11 host.

1. Open Virtual Switch Manager and select New virtual network switch.
2. Select Internal and click Create Virtual Switch.
3. Name the switch (e.g., Internal-Switch).
4. Under Connection type, ensure Internal network is selected.
5. Click Apply, then click OK.
6. (Optional) To assign static IP configurations, open Network Connections on Windows 11 (ncpa.cpl), locate the newly created vEthernet (Internal-Switch) adapter, and configure your preferred IPv4 subnet.

Creating a Private Virtual Switch

A private switch creates an isolated sandbox environment strictly for virtual machines.

1. Open Virtual Switch Manager and select New virtual network switch.
2. Select Private and click Create Virtual Switch.
3. Enter a name for the switch (e.g., Private-Isolated-Switch).
4. Under Connection type, ensure Private network is selected.
5. Click Apply, then click OK.

Assigning a Virtual Switch to a Virtual Machine

Once created, attach the virtual switch to your VM’s network adapter:

1. In Hyper-V Manager, right-click the target virtual machine (ensure it is powered off) and select Settings….
2. In the left panel, select Network Adapter.
3. In the Virtual switch drop-down list on the right, select the switch you created (External, Internal, or Private).
4. Click Apply, then click OK.
5. Start your virtual machine to apply the network settings.