How to Enable and Configure Hyper-V Virtualization on Windows 11

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual (rather than physical) version of a physical computer or server, It allows multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical computer. Microsoft’s Hyper-V is a native virtualization platform built into Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It allows you to create and manage multiple virtual machines (VMs) for testing, development, or running different operating systems without third-party tools like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. This article explores how to enable and configure Hyper-V on Windows 11, check system requirements, and create your first virtual machine.

What is Hyper-V on Windows 11 PC?

Windows 11, Hyper-V (also known as the Hypervisor) is Microsoft’s virtualization technology that allows you to run multiple operating systems (virtual machines) on a single physical computer. It essentially creates a software layer between the physical hardware and the virtual machines, and enable them to run in isolated environments.

Hyper-V offers several advantages for virtualization on Windows 11:

• It’s built into Windows 11, and Hyper-V is free with Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, so you don’t need external software to run virtual machines.
• Each VM runs in its own isolated environment, protect your host system from crashes or malware.
• It allows running multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, or older versions, for testing, development, or sandboxing
• It has built-in Features like dynamic memory allocation, optimize resource usage for better performance.
• Hyper-V supports secure boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for enhanced VM security

System Requirements for Hyper-V on Windows 11

Before enable Hyper-V on Windows 11, check and ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Hyper-V is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions (not on Home by default)
• A 64-bit CPU with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and hardware virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
• Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended for smooth VM performance).
• Hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.

Note: Hyper-V isn’t available in Windows 11 Home edition.

To check if your system supports Hyper-V, open Command Prompt and run: systeminfo

Look for a section titled Hyper-V Requirements. All entries should say “Yes”.

After performing the command check all of these requirements have a value of Yes, then your system is ready for Hyper-V installation. If some of these values have a value of No, such as Virtualization Enabled in Firmware and Data Execution Prevention Available. Then you may have to enable them in your system BIOS.

Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

Hardware virtualization is often disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI. Here’s how to enable it:

• Shut down your computer and restart it.
• During startup, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2, DEL, or ESC, depending on your manufacturer).
• Navigate to the Advanced, Configuration, or Security tab (names vary by manufacturer).
• Look for options like “Intel VT-x,” “Intel Virtualization Technology,” “AMD-V,” or “SVM Mode.”
• Select the virtualization option and set it to Enabled.
• Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is enabled (labeled as XD bit for Intel or NX bit for AMD).
• Press F10 (or the designated key) to save changes and exit. Your PC will restart.

Enable Hyper-V from Windows Features

Hyper-V is an optional feature in Windows 11 that you can enable through the Settings app, Control Panel, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to System> Optional features, under “Related settings,” click More Windows features.
• In the Windows Features window, scroll to Hyper-V.
• Check the box for Hyper-V (ensure both Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform are selected). Click OK.
• Click Restart now to apply the changes.

Alternatively, you can open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following command to enable Hyper-V on Windows 11 PC.

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All

When prompted, restart your computer to complete the installation.

If you prefer the command prompt, run this command: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool will enable Hyper-V and restart Windows when prompted to finalize the setup.

Configure networking for the Hyper-V environment

Now Configure networking for the Hyper-V environment to support external network connections. Such as your pc to virtual machine computer, or any other network connected pc. To do this, select Virtual Switch Manager in the Actions pane.

Select New virtual network switch and choose a type: External

• External: Connects VMs to the physical network (e.g., for internet access).
• Internal: Connects VMs to the host but not the external network.
• Private: Isolates VMs from the host and external network.

Now, click Create Virtual Switch in the Virtual Switch Properties pane. Here, name the virtual switch Public and allow the management operating system to share the network adapter bound to the virtual switch Click Apply.

You will see a warning message indicating a potential loss of network connectivity while Hyper-V creates the new virtual switch. Click Yes to proceed with the virtual switch creation. Click OK to close the Virtual Switch Manager.

Create a New Virtual Machine On Hyper-V

Now, on Hyper-V Manager, move to the Actions pane, click New, and then click Virtual Machine. Follow the New Virtual Machine Wizard:

• Name and Location: Specify a name and storage location for VM files.
• Generation: Choose Generation 1 for legacy systems or Generation 2 for modern OSs with UEFI and secure boot.
• Memory: Allocate startup memory (e.g., 2048 MB) and enable Dynamic Memory for efficient resource use.

• Networking: Select the virtual switch created earlier.
• Virtual Hard Disk: Create a new VHD or use an existing one. Specify size (e.g., 20 GB).
• Installation Options: Choose to install an OS from an ISO file, DVD, or network.

Review the settings, and then click Finish to create the virtual machine and close the wizard. After Hyper-V creates the new virtual machine, you can view it in Hyper-V Manager.

Best Practices for Hyper-V on Windows 11

• For better performance, allocate at least 4 GB RAM and enough CPU cores for each VM.
• Use Checkpoints to create snapshots before making major changes inside a VM.
• You can run multiple VMs, but performance depends on your hardware.
• Install Guest Integration Services in supported OSes for better compatibility.

To maximize performance and stability, install the latest Windows 11 updates, especially those related to virtualization components. VMs consume CPU, memory, and disk resources. Use Task Manager to monitor usage and avoid overloading your system.

Enable dynamic memory to allocate RAM efficiently across VMs. Limit the number of simultaneous VMs (typically 2–3 on a standard PC) to prevent performance issues.

Hyper-V may conflict with VirtualBox or VMware due to exclusive use of VT-x/AMD-V. Disable Hyper-V via Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off if needed.

Hyper-V Missing on Windows 11 Home?

Hyper-V is officially not available on Windows 11 Home, but it can be unofficially enabled through manual workarounds. However, for stability and support, it’s better to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.

• Hyper-V Not Appearing in Windows Features: Ensure you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. For the Home edition, use third-party tools like VirtualBox.
• Virtualization Disabled in BIOS: Revisit BIOS/UEFI settings to enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V.
• VM Fails to Start: Check if Hyper-V is enabled and virtualization is active in Task Manager. Verify sufficient RAM and disk space.

Whether you’re experimenting with Linux, trying out Windows Insider builds, or isolating software, Hyper-V gives you control and safety all in one.