Hyper-V is a feature that comes with Windows that allows anyone to create a virtualized environment on the host machine to run virtual machines inside Windows 11. When you enable Hyper-V, you can create multiple independent guest computers, each running its operating system without the need for additional physical hardware or support. Hyper-V is not for everyone. Normal desktop users, will probably never use Hyper-V. However, advanced users may find Hyper-V useful, especially in situations where they want to run multiple operating systems and versions. For example, with Hyper-V installed and enabled in Windows 11, power users can create additional virtual computers inside Windows 11 to run Mac OS, Linux, and Windows 10 without needing three separate computers. To get started with enabling Hyper-V on Windows 11, follow the steps below:
How to turn on Hyper-V in Windows 11
Hyper-V requires that the host machine has Hardware Visualization enabled. Most computers today will have this feature, however, it might be disabled in the BIOS. You may have to reboot the system BIOS and enable Virtualization Technology (VTx) in the system BIOS settings. Once enable, log back into Windows 11 and go to Start, then search for Turn Windows features on or off. Click on the result as highlighted below to open the Windows Control panel features pane. Once the Windows Features pane opens, screen down and select the box next to Hyper-V and sub-boxes Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform. Make sure these three boxes are checked, then click OK. When will apply your changes and prompt you to reboot to complete the process? Once you reboot, the Hyper-V feature should be enabled and you can start creating virtual machines to run other operating systems on.
How to Enable Hyper-V from Command Prompt
Another way to install Hyper-V is from Windows Command Prompt. If the steps above aren’t right for you, simply use the command prompt method below to install and enable Hyper-V. First, you’ll want to run Windows Command Prompt as administrator. Click on Start, then search for Command Prompt, right-click and open as administrator. When the Command Prompt opens, copy and paste the line below and press Enter. When you run the command above, you’ll get a similar message below asking if you want to restart the computer. Type Y for Yes. Restart and Windows Hyper-V should be installed and enabled.
How to Enable Hyper-V using Windows PowerShell in Windows 11
Yet, there is still another way to enable Hyper-V on Windows 11. If the above two methods aren’t good for you, open Windows PowerShell and install it from there. You’ll also need to run Windows PowerShell as an administrator. Click Start and search for PowerShell as shown below in the image. When Windows PowerShell open, type the command below to enable Hyper-V. The command will download and enable Hyper-V packages. You’ll also be prompted to restart the computer. Once you’re done, Hyper-V should be enabled and ready to use.
How to Create Virtual Machines on Windows 11 Hyper-V
Now that Hyper-V is installed and enabled, click on Start and search for Hyper-V Manager as shown in the image below. Once the app opens, go to Action ==> New ==> Virtual Machine. Follow the wizard and complete the creation of a new virtual machine. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to enable and use Hyper-V on Windows 11. If you find any error above, please use the comment form below to report.
