Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure (AZ-800) Practice

What is the primary function of a hypervisor in virtualization?

1. Manage virtual switches

2. Control access to physical hardware

3. Manage networking configurations

4. Provide load balancing

The correct answer is: Control access to physical hardware

The primary function of a hypervisor in virtualization is to control access to physical hardware. A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), serves as the intermediary between the physical hardware of a host machine and the virtual machines running on it. It is responsible for allocating the physical resources—such as CPU, memory, and storage—to each virtual machine while ensuring that they operate independently and securely from one another. By managing access to the underlying physical hardware, the hypervisor allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical server. This enables efficient resource utilization and isolation, which are key advantages of virtualization. The other options mentioned play supportive roles in a virtualized environment but do not define the primary function of a hypervisor. Managing virtual switches pertains to networking aspects within the virtual environment, managing networking configurations relates to setting up network connectivity for the virtual machines, and providing load balancing focuses on distributing workloads across multiple resources. While these functions are important in a comprehensive virtualization strategy, they do not represent the core purpose of a hypervisor.