How to Enable Hyper-V in Windows 11

Hyper-V is Microsoft’s built-in virtualization platform in Windows 11. It lets you create and run virtual machines (VMs) – perfect for testing software, running other operating systems, or isolating environments.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable Hyper-V in Windows 11, including BIOS setup, Windows features, and common fixes.

What Is Hyper-V?

Hyper-V allows you to run multiple operating systems on one PC by creating virtual machines.

You can use it to:

• Run Linux on Windows
• Test apps safely
• Create isolated environments
• Use Windows Sandbox

Requirements for Hyper-V

Before enabling Hyper-V, make sure your system meets these requirements:

• Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise / Education
• 64-bit CPU with virtualization support
• Virtualization enabled in BIOS
• At least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)

Hyper-V is not available on Windows 11 Home (unless using workarounds).

Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Hyper-V requires virtualization to be enabled.

Steps

1. Restart your PC
2. Enter BIOS (see How to Enter BIOS in Windows 11)
3. Enable:
   • Intel: Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
   • AMD: SVM Mode
4. Save changes and restart

Step 2: Enable Hyper-V in Windows Features

Now enable Hyper-V inside Windows.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R → type: optionalfeatures
2. Find Hyper-V
3. Check:
   • Hyper-V Management Tools
   • Hyper-V Platform
4. Click OK
5. Restart your PC

Step 3: Open Hyper-V Manager

Steps

1. Open Start Menu
2. Search for Hyper-V Manager
3. Launch the app

You can now create and manage virtual machines.

Step 4: Create Your First Virtual Machine

Steps

1. Open Hyper-V Manager
2. Click New → Virtual Machine
3. Follow the wizard:
   • Choose name
   • Allocate RAM
   • Select storage
   • Add ISO file
4. Click Finish

Hyper-V Not Showing? Fix

If Hyper-V is missing:

Check Windows Edition

• Requires Windows 11 Pro or higher

Enable via Command Line

Run Command Prompt as admin:

dism /online /enable-feature /all /featurename:Microsoft-Hyper-V

Update Windows

• Install latest updates

Benefits of Using Hyper-V

• Run multiple OS on one PC
• Safe testing environment
• No need for third-party software
• Built-in Windows feature

Enabling Hyper-V in Windows 11 allows you to create virtual machines and unlock powerful virtualization features. By enabling virtualization in BIOS and turning on Hyper-V in Windows Features, you can start using VMs in minutes.

If you’re setting up a fresh system, don’t forget to activate Windows using a genuine Windows 11 Pro product key from our store.