Windows 10qcow2 →

Windows 10 qcow2: Efficient Virtual Disk Strategies for Desktop Virtualization

3.1 Minimal Recommended Size

• System drive (C:): 80 GB QCOW2 (Windows 10 requires 32 GB minimum, but 64+ GB recommended for updates).
• Data drive (D:): Separate QCOW2 or raw.

4. Required Drivers (VirtIO)

Windows 10 does not include native QCOW2 or VirtIO drivers. Use Red Hat VirtIO drivers for disk and network.

Windows 10 Inside the VM

• Disable Windows Search indexing (unnecessary for a VM).
• Turn off "Visual effects" (Performance options).
• Set power plan to "High performance."
• Install the latest VirtIO drivers from Red Hat.
• Defragment the qcow2 from inside Windows using Optimize-VirtualDisk in PowerShell (if using VirtIO SCSI).