Virtual machines enable the operation of multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform by abstracting the hardware layer through hypervisor technology. A hypervisor creates a virtualized environment that divides the physical hardware resources—such as CPU, memory, and storage—into multiple virtual machines. Each virtual machine runs its own operating system and applications independently, allowing for efficient resource sharing and isolation. This setup enables developers and organizations to test software across different environments without the cost of additional hardware. It also enhances computing efficiency and improves workload management, making it an essential tool in cloud computing and server management.