Applies ToWindows 11 Windows 10
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After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
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Virtualization lets your Windows device emulate a different operating system, like Android or Linux. Enabling virtualization gives you access to a larger library of apps to use and install on your device. If you upgraded your device from Windows 10 to Windows 11, these steps help you enable virtualization.
Note: Many Windows devices already have virtualization enabled, so you might not need to follow these steps.
Before you begin, determine your device model and manufacturer. You’ll need this information later in the process.
Before you begin, we recommend opening this page on a different device. Here’s how to get to the UEFI from Windows:
-
In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System > Recovery or use the following shortcut:
Recovery
Note: In Windows 10, you can access from Update & Security > Recovery
-
Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, select Restart now
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Your PC will restart in the Windows Recovery Environment. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Settings > Restart
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Your PC will restart again and you’ll be in the UEFI utility. At this step, you might see the UEFI referred to as the BIOS on your PC
Note: These instructions might apply if you upgraded your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
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Select Start , enter Windows features, and select Turn Windows features on or off from the list of results
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In the Windows Features window that just opened, find Virtual Machine Platform and select it
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Select OK. You might need to restart your PC
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A virtual machine emulates a computer
system so anyone can run different operating systems and programs. It works
great for testing out new features without risking your current ecosystem. You
will also be able to test software compatibility in an isolated environment.
Running a virtual machine can be
demanding and not all computers are capable of doing so. But these days, users
can create one using Windows 10.
What Do You Need?
Your computer needs to meet a couple of
requirements for you to be able to create and run a virtual machine. Here’s
what you’ll need:
- A 64-bit processor that has Secondary Level Address Translation or SLAT. Find info about your processor using these tools.
- Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise.
Note: Windows Home users can upgrade to the Pro version. Go to Settings (Windows + I) > Update and Security > Activation.
- At least 4 GB of memory. Having
more RAM would be better. - A BIOS setup where virtualization
has been enabled. - Hard drive space for the OS you’ll
be adding.
What is Hyper-V?
Windows 10 uses a
software called Hyper-V to handle virtualization. You will need to activate it
if you want to add virtual machines. Some Hyper-V features include being able
to run operating systems and entire hardware components like hard drives and
network switches.
Advanced users can even
use it for server virtualizations if they want.
Turn On Virtualization in BIOS
First, restart your computer. As the
computer boots, press the corresponding key that lets you enter BIOS. The
button differs from one PC to another. However, it’s usually F10, Delete,or the F2 key.
Once you enter the BIOS, you can start enabling virtualization settings. The BIOS interface varies depending on the brand.
Exit once you’re done making all the
changes to the BIOS settings and restart your PC.
Turning On Hyper-V
You will need Hyper-V to manage your
virtual machines. This can be done by accessing the Control Panel or
PowerShell.
Control Panel
Open the Control Panel. Now go to Programs
and Features > Turn Windows
Features On or Off.
Search for a folder called Hyper-V. Tick all the subfolders under
Hyper-V and hit OK.
Windows will then try to configure
Hyper-V. This might prompt a restart after it confirms all the changes.
PowerShell
Open PowerShell
and enter the following line:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature
-Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
If PowerShell responds and says that the
command cannot be found, make sure you’re running it as an administrator.
Restart the computer after you’re done.
Creating a Virtual Machine
Once ready, you can start using Hyper-V to create virtual machines in Windows 10. Here’s what you need to do:
Go to Control Panel > Administrative
Tools and double-click Hyper-V
to launch the application.
On the left-hand pane of Hyper-V, select
the name of your computer so you can work on it. You can add a new virtual
machine by going to Action > New > Virtual Machine.
A new window will open called New Virtual Machine Wizard. Complete
the steps and click Finish when
you’re done to create a new machine.
New machines will be shown inside Hyper-V. The same application is used to control the machines. For example, you can turn the machines on and off through Hyper-V.
Also, you can read my post on converting an existing PC into a Hyper-V virtual machine. Enjoy!
Все способы:
- Вариант 1: «Программы и компоненты» (включение Hyper-V)
- Вариант 2: BIOS
- Вариант 3: Виртуальные машины
- Вопросы и ответы: 0
Обратите внимание! Перед тем как выполнять действия, описанные в этой инструкции, рекомендуется проверить статус виртуализации в операционной системе. Есть вероятность, что она уже включена или вовсе отсутствует, что делает невозможным ее активацию. Для этого перейдите по ссылке ниже, чтобы ознакомиться с тематической статьей на нашем сайте.
Подробнее: Как проверить, включена ли виртуализация в Windows 10
Вариант 1: «Программы и компоненты» (включение Hyper-V)
По умолчанию в Windows 10 функция виртуализации отключена, и для ее включения потребуется в специальном меню операционной системы активировать соответствующий компонент. Делается это следующим образом:
Отметим, что программная виртуализация Hyper-V нужна только для определенных программ, в то время как часть софта требует включения аппаратной виртуализации, о чем пойдет речь в Варианте 2. Аппаратный компонент конфликтует с программным, поэтому перед тем как включать Hyper-V, узнайте, какой тип виртуализации требует софт, ради которого вы его включаете. К примеру, эмуляторам и некоторым виртуальным машинам нужно включение аппаратной технологии, а Hyper-V должен быть как раз отключен.
- Откройте «Панель управления» любым доступным способом. Например, сделать это можно посредством поиска: установите курсор в соответствующее поле на панели задач, введите запрос «Панель управления» и щелкните по пункту «Открыть».
Читайте также: Как открыть «Панель управления» в Windows 10
- В появившемся окне первостепенно проверьте, чтобы в верхнем правом углу был выбран режим отображения элементов меню «Категория». Если это не так, выберите нужное значение вручную. Затем кликните по пункту «Удаление программы».
- На боковой панели слева нажмите по ссылке «Включение или отключение компонентов Windows».
- В отобразившемся окне найдите в списке компонент под названием «Hyper-V», поставьте напротив него отметку, после чего щелкните по кнопке «ОК».
- Дождитесь завершения процесса поиска и активации компонента. За ходом выполнения этой процедуры можно следить в появившемся диалоговом окне.
- В завершение кликните по кнопке «Закрыть». После выполнения всех этих действий перезапустите компьютер, чтобы окончательно активировать функцию виртуализации в операционной системе.
Обратите внимание! Если в списке компонентов вы не нашли «Hyper-V», есть вероятность, что ваш компьютер попросту не поддерживает функцию виртуализации. Необходимо это проверить — воспользуйтесь инструкцией, опубликованной в другой статье на нашем сайте.
Подробнее: Что делать, если в Windows 10 отсутствует Hyper-V
Вариант 2: BIOS
Включить виртуализацию в Windows 10 можно без взаимодействия с графическим интерфейсом операционной системы — через BIOS. Еще раз отметим, что важно понимать, какой тип виртуализации вам нужен, — об этом более подробно сказано в самом начале предыдущего варианта.
Для включения аппаратной виртуализации потребуется войти в базовую утилиту ввода и вывода и активировать соответствующий параметр, после чего не забыть при выходе сохранить все внесенные изменения. На нашем сайте есть отдельная статья, в которой этот процесс описывается более подробно.
Подробнее: Как включить виртуализацию в BIOS
Вариант 3: Виртуальные машины
Иногда появляется необходимость включить функцию виртуализации в Windows 10, запущенной на виртуальной машине в VirtualBox или VMware. Чтобы это сделать, предварительно включите функцию в основной системе, воспользовавшись одним из вышеописанных способов. После этого проделайте следующие действия в виртуальной машине:
VirtualBox
- Запустите VirtualBox, выберите на левой панели операционную систему и кликните сверху по кнопке «Настроить».
- В левой части появившегося окна перейдите в раздел «Система», после чего в основной области откройте вкладку «Процессор», а затем установите галочку напротив пункта «Включить Nested VT-x/AMD-V». Кликните в завершение по кнопке «ОК», чтобы сохранить внесенные изменения.
- Запустите непосредственно саму операционную систему в VirtualBox и воспользуйтесь первым вариантом из этой статьи, чтобы включить функцию виртуализации там.
VMware
- Откройте VMware Workstation, в левой части окна выделите свою виртуальную машину и в центре кликните по ссылке «Edit virtual machine settings».
- Переключитесь на вкладку «Processors» и поставьте галочку около пункта «Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI». Сохраните изменения кнопкой «ОК».
- Теперь вы сможете включить виртуализацию уже внутри виртуальной машины первым рассмотренным в этой статье вариантом.
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Enabling virtualization is an essential step if you want to use virtual machines, enhance system performance, or run apps that require virtual environments. This guide will walk you through enabling virtualization in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, covering the process from your BIOS settings to configuring your operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Virtualization must be enabled in your BIOS before configuring it in Windows.
- The process varies slightly between Intel and AMD CPUs, but both require accessing your BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Once virtualization is enabled in your BIOS, it must also be activated within Windows features for full functionality.
Step 1: Access Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
To enable virtualization, the first step is to access your BIOS or UEFI settings. Here’s how you can do this:
- Restart Your Computer: Right-click on the Start button and select Shutdown or Sign Out > Restart while holding down the Shift key.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI: From the restart menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then click Restart.If you have an older PC that doesn’t support UEFI, restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete or Escape key to enter the BIOS.
Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS (Intel & AMD)
Once inside the BIOS or UEFI settings, follow these steps based on your CPU:
Intel CPU
- Navigate to the BIOS Features menu.
- Find Intel Virtualization Technology and set it to Enabled.
- Do the same for the VT-D setting, setting it to Enabled as well.
- Save your changes by pressing F10 and restart your computer.
AMD CPU
- Go to the Advanced Frequency Settings in your BIOS.
- Select Advanced CPU Settings and enable SVM Mode, which is AMD’s virtualization technology.
- Save the changes and exit by pressing F10 and restart your computer.
After enabling virtualization in the BIOS, it’s time to ensure it’s activated within Windows:
- Open Windows Features: Use the Windows key + S shortcut, and search for Turn Windows features on or off.
- In the pop-up window, enable the checkboxes for Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform. If you see Hyper-V, enable that too.
- Click OK, and restart your computer when prompted.
Step 4: Troubleshoot Virtualization Issues
If you’re unable to find virtualization settings in your BIOS, try the following:
- Check Your Motherboard Manual: Open the System Information app on your computer (search using Windows key + S), and note your Baseboard Manufacturer and Baseboard Product. Search for the manual of your motherboard online and look for virtualization settings.For laptops, you can search for your laptop’s manual to find virtualization settings in the BIOS.
- Consult Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft’s official guide on BIOS changes to find specific instructions for various manufacturers.
Conclusion
Enabling virtualization on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine is an essential task for those needing to run virtual machines or software that relies on virtual environments. Whether you’re using an Intel or AMD CPU, following this guide will allow you to enable virtualization easily.
For further assistance, refer to your motherboard’s manual or visit Microsoft’s support page for additional troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I find virtualization settings in my BIOS?
If virtualization settings are missing in your BIOS, your motherboard may not support it, or it could be under a different name. Check your motherboard’s manual for details.
2. How do I know if virtualization is enabled?
You can verify if virtualization is enabled by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and going to the Performance tab. Under CPU, check if “Virtualization: Enabled” is displayed.
3. Does enabling virtualization affect performance?
Enabling virtualization typically has no negative effect on regular performance. However, it allows you to run virtual machines, which can enhance productivity.
4. Do all computers support virtualization?
Most modern CPUs support virtualization, but it must be enabled in the BIOS. Older computers may lack support for this feature.
5. Can I disable virtualization after enabling it?
Yes, you can disable virtualization by reversing the steps in the BIOS and Windows settings.
Turning on hardware virtualization in Windows 10 can give your computer a performance boost, especially for running virtual machines. You can quickly enable it by accessing your computer’s BIOS settings during startup, navigating to the appropriate menu, and switching on the virtualization option. This guide will walk you through the steps to turn on hardware virtualization in Windows 10, ensuring you get the most out of your machine.
In this section, we’ll cover each step needed to enable hardware virtualization. Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer will be ready to run virtual machines and other advanced features that benefit from hardware virtualization.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
First, restart your computer.
During the startup process, you’ll need to access the BIOS settings. Typically, this is done by pressing a specific key like F2, F10, or DEL immediately after your computer powers on. Check your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the exact key.
Step 2: Enter the BIOS Setup
Press the relevant key to enter the BIOS setup.
The BIOS setup interface may look different depending on your computer’s make and model. You’ll navigate through these menus using the keyboard, as the mouse usually doesn’t work here.
Step 3: Find the Virtualization Settings
Navigate through the BIOS menus to find the virtualization settings.
Look for options like «Intel VT-x,» «AMD-V,» or simply «Virtualization Technology.» These are often located under advanced settings, CPU configuration, or a similar category.
Step 4: Enable Virtualization
Select the virtualization option and change it to «Enabled.»
Use the keyboard arrow keys to select the option and the Enter key to change it. Once enabled, this setting allows your CPU to better handle virtual machines and other tasks requiring hardware virtualization.
Step 5: Save Changes and Exit
Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
Look for a save and exit option, usually at the bottom of the screen or in a specific menu. Confirm your selection, and your computer will restart with virtualization enabled.
After completing these steps, your computer will restart with hardware virtualization enabled. You’ll be ready to run virtual machines or other applications that require this feature, potentially improving performance and efficiency.
Tips for Turning On Hardware Virtualization in Windows 10
- Verify that your CPU supports virtualization technology. Not all processors have this feature.
- Check your motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions if you can’t find the virtualization option.
- Update your BIOS if the virtualization setting is not available. Sometimes, older BIOS versions do not support hardware virtualization.
- Remember to disable virtualization if you encounter any compatibility issues with other software.
- Use virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware to maximize the benefits of hardware virtualization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hardware virtualization?
Hardware virtualization is a feature that allows your CPU to act as if you have several independent computers, improving the performance of virtual machines and other specialized software.
How do I know if my CPU supports virtualization?
You can check your CPU specifications on the manufacturer’s website or use tools like CPU-Z. Look for terms like «Intel VT-x» or «AMD-V.»
Can I enable virtualization on any computer?
Most modern computers support hardware virtualization, but you need a compatible CPU and motherboard. Check your system documentation for details.
Will enabling virtualization slow down my computer?
Typically, enabling virtualization does not slow down your computer. It is designed to improve performance for specific tasks. However, if you experience issues, you can always disable it.
Is it safe to enable hardware virtualization?
Yes, it is generally safe to enable hardware virtualization. It is a standard feature used by many applications and operating systems.
Summary
- Restart your computer.
- Enter the BIOS setup.
- Find the virtualization settings.
- Enable virtualization.
- Save changes and exit.
Conclusion
Turning on hardware virtualization in Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your computer’s capabilities. By following the steps outlined above, you can enable this feature and unlock the full potential of your hardware. Whether you’re looking to run virtual machines more efficiently or improve application performance, hardware virtualization can be a game-changer.
Remember, always check your CPU and motherboard specifications before making any changes. If you encounter any issues or need more detailed instructions, manufacturers’ websites and forums are excellent resources. Now that you know how to turn on hardware virtualization in Windows 10, you can explore the many benefits it offers and take your computing experience to the next level. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.