How to Install OpenWrt on Hyper-V?

OpenWrt is an open-source firmware that can be installed on various routers and devices to enhance their functionality and customization options. While it is commonly installed on physical devices, it is also possible to install OpenWrt on a virtual machine using Hyper-V, a virtualization platform provided by Microsoft. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to install OpenWrt on Hyper-V.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A computer running Windows with Hyper-V installed.
• An OpenWrt image file in .img format. You can download the latest image from the OpenWrt website.

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

Launch the Hyper-V Manager and click on New to create a new virtual machine.

1. Provide a name for your virtual machine.
2. Choose a location to store the virtual machine files.
3. Select the Generation 1 option.
4. Assign an appropriate amount of memory to the virtual machine. A minimum of 128MB is recommended.
5. Create a new virtual hard disk and specify its size. A minimum of 4GB is recommended.
6. Choose the installation media as Image file (.iso).
7. Browse and select the OpenWrt image file you downloaded.
8. Review the virtual machine settings and click Finish to create the virtual machine.

Step 2: Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Right-click on the newly created virtual machine and select Settings.
2. In the Security section, uncheck the Enable Secure Boot option.
3. Go to the Network Adapter section and select the appropriate network connection for your virtual machine.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 3: Install OpenWrt

1. Start the virtual machine.
2. When prompted, choose the Install option to begin the installation process.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the network settings, such as setting a root password and configuring the network interface.
4. Once the installation is complete, the virtual machine will reboot.
5. After the reboot, you can access the OpenWrt interface by opening a web browser and entering the IP address assigned to the virtual machine.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed OpenWrt on Hyper-V. You can now explore the various features and customization options offered by OpenWrt.

References