Cant enable Hyper-V - Error 0x80070057

Hyper-V is a built-in virtualization tool in Windows Pro, Enterprise editions that allows creating one or multiple virtual machines to install and run different OS on one Windows PC. To use this feature, your device must support virtualization technology and it must be enabled on BIOS. And you need to enable the Hyper-V feature from the control panel -> Programs, then Turn Windows feature on or off. However, during installation or enabling Hyper-V, you may encounter the error code 0x80070057, preventing the setup from completing. This issue usually occurs due to corrupted system files, incorrect settings, or insufficient hardware requirements. This article explores a few effective solutions to fix the Hyper-V installation error 0x80070057 on Windows 11/10.

Can’t enable Hyper-V – Error 0x80070057

As discussed, several possible reasons behind this, corrupted system files, Third-Party Software Conflicts or insufficient hardware requirements are common.

  • Corrupt or Missing System Files – Damaged Windows files can cause installation failures.
  • Misconfigured Group Policy Settings – Group Policy restrictions might block Hyper-V installation.
  • Insufficient Hardware Support – The system might not meet Hyper-V requirements (e.g., lack of hardware virtualization support).
  • Corrupt Windows Updates – A failed or incomplete update can interfere with Hyper-V installation.
  • Registry Corruption – Incorrect registry entries related to Hyper-V can cause errors.
  • Third-Party Software Conflicts – Security software or third-party applications might block Hyper-V.

Check System Requirements for Hyper-V

Well, Hyper-V requires specific hardware features. Before enable this feature, first check and make sure your system meets the minimum system requirements to enable the Hyper-V feature.

  • 64-bit Processor with SLAT (Second Level Address Translation) support.
  • At least 4GB RAM.
  • VT-x (Intel) or AMD-V (AMD) enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition (Hyper-V is not available on Home editions).

Well, you can use the command systeminfo.exe. This will display Hyper-V related entries.

If your system does not meet these requirements, consider upgrading your hardware or using third-party virtualization tools.

verify Hyper -V Compatibility

Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

Hardware virtualization is a key requirement for Hyper-V. If it is disabled in BIOS/UEFI, the installation will fail.

  • Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F10, Del, or Esc, depending on your manufacturer).
  • Look for Intel VT-x (for Intel processors) or AMD-V (for AMD processors) under CPU settings.
  • Enable the option and save changes.
  • Restart Windows and try installing Hyper-V again.

Make sure Windows update service is running

Also, check and make sure the Windows Update service is running and you have a working internet connection to download feature files from the Microsoft server.

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc and click ok,
  • This will open the Windows services console,
  • Scroll down and check the Windows update service is running,
  • If not, Right-click on the Windows Update service and select start
  • Also, change its startup type to automatic.

Sometimes, Windows Update issues can prevent optional features like Hyper-V from installing. Running the update troubleshooter can fix these problems.

Check and Repair Corrupt System Files

Sometimes corruption of one or more system elements effect enables new features that include Windows Hyper-V. Running SFC (System File Checker) scans can repair these files, and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) RestoreHealth Command that helps prepare Windows images, including those used for Windows PE, Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) and Windows Setup.

  • Open the command prompt as administrator, and run sfc /scannow command
  • Next run command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth,
  • Let the scanning process complete 100%,
  • this will detect and restore missing files with the correct one,
  • Restart Windows after 100% complete the scanning process.

SFC scan windows 11

Install Latest Windows updates

Windows 10 is set to download and install the latest windows updates automatically. But you can manually check and install the latest updates. And this is good work before enabling Hyper V.

  • Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings app
  • Click on Update & security then Windows update,
  • On the right-hand side click on the check for updates button,
  • Let Windows update to check for and install the latest updates if available,
  • Restart Windows to apply the changes.

Now again try to enable the Hyper-V Feature from the Windows features window.

Hyper-V Feature

Enable Hyper-V Using PowerShell

Using PowerShell provides a more direct method of enabling Hyper-V, bypassing potential GUI-related issues.

Open PowerShell as administrator,

Type the following command:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V

enable hyper v using powershell

  • Restart Windows after completing 100% and check this help to enable Hyper-V in Windows PC.

Modify Registry to Fix Installation Issues

Incorrect registry settings can interfere with Hyper-V installation. Deleting or modifying the right registry entries may resolve the issue.

  • Press Windows key + R, type regedit and ok to open the Windows registry editor,
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
  • Look for any entries related to Hyper-V and delete them.
  • Restart your computer and attempt to enable/install again.

Again, Third-party software, especially security applications, can conflict with Hyper-V installation. A clean boot can help isolate the issue.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.