How to Enable Virtualization in Windows 11

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems allowing users to run multiple programs and other operating systems, such as Linux or Android. However, you must enable Virtualization in Windows 11 to make it happen. If you don’t know how to do it, this guide is for you.

Virtualization lets users create and run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This is especially helpful for a developer, a system administrator, or a tech enthusiast. In this guide, we’ll help you know what Virtualization is in Windows. And how you can turn on hardware virtualization.

Also read: How to enable Virtualization in Windows 10

What Is Virtualization in Windows 11

Virtualization is a technology that enables users to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single hardware (PC). When you enable the virtual machine platform in Windows, users can run virtual machines with their operating systems and applications. Virtualization lets these programs utilize hardware storage for storing data, virtual switches, etc.

Thus as mentioned above, you can run Linux or even use Android apps on your Windows PC.

Check if Your Windows 11 System Supports Virtualization

Before we look into the steps to turn on hardware virtualization on your Windows 11 system, you need to ensure that your system supports virtualization technology. While most modern PC comes with support for Virtualization (VT), here’s how you can check if your system is compatible.

Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open the Run application on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Type msinfo32 inside the dialogue box and hit Ok or Enter.

Step 3: Type Virtualization in the search bar below and locate ‘Virtualization-based security’

Step 4: Now, see what’s mentioned next to it. If it’s shown as Supported or Running, you can enable Virtualization on your Windows system.

Now that you are up to date with the basics, let’s show you how to enable Virtualization on the Windows system.

Part 1: Enable Virtual Machine Platform in Windows 11 From UEFI/BIOS

First, follow our guide on how to enter the UEFI/BIOS mode on your Windows system. Once done, follow the below steps.

Note: The steps in this guide are based on an AMD-powered Lenovo laptop. The steps might differ based on the manufacturer and the processor. We have provided official guides to enable Virtualization in UEFI/BIOS if you use any other Windows system.

Step 1: After entering into BIOS mode, choose Configuration.

Step 2: Change the option for ‘AMD SVM Technology’ to Enabled.

Step 3: Now, hit the F10 button and choose Yes to confirm.

For those who are using other Windows devices, refer to the official guides below:

Acer	Enable Virtualization Technology on Acer Products
Asus	Enable AMD Virtualization
	Enable Intel(VMX) Virtualization Technology in PC
	Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) on laptop
Dell	Enable Hardware Virtualization
HP	Enable Virtualization Technology in the BIOS
Lenovo	Enable Virtualization Technology

As for the Microsoft Surface devices, Virtualization is enabled in Windows 11 by default.

Part 2: Turn on Hardware Virtualization Features on Windows 11

Now that you have enabled Virtualization in BIOS, it’s time to enable all of the feature’s capabilities within Windows. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Once your PC restarts, click on the Start icon > search and open Windows features.

Step 2: Check the boxes for ‘Virtual Machine Platform’, Hyper V, and ‘Windows Hypervision platform.’

Note: If your system doesn’t have Hyper V, don’t worry. It is limited to Windows 11 Pro or higher versions.

• Virtual Machine Platform: This enables certain virtualization components to run specific features, such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Subsystem for Android. Many third-party apps can improve performance once you enable Virtualization in Windows 11.
• Hyper-V: It will let you unlock more virtualization features. You can run more than one virtual machine upon enabling this feature. Both ‘Virtual Machine Platform’ and ‘Windows Hypervision platform’ are required to run this feature.
• Window Hypervisor Platform: This is best for some third-party apps to shed a few more features than what they provide natively. You are required to enable this feature to run any virtualization feature.

Step 3: Hit Ok to confirm.

Wait for a few minutes until the necessary components are installed. Afterward, restart your system.

FAQs on Virtualization for Windows 11

Use Windows to the Fullest

Enabling Virtualization in Windows 11 can greatly improve the capabilities of your system. We hope that this guide helped enable Virtualization in Windows 11. If you still have any suggestions or queries, let us know in the comments.