To set up Hyper-V on Windows 11, you typically enable it as an optional Windows feature. This process involves navigating through the system settings to turn on the Hyper-V components.
Here are the steps based on the provided information to enable Hyper-V using Windows Settings:
Enabling Hyper-V via Windows Settings
Hyper-V is a virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on your Windows 11 PC. To get started, you need to ensure it's activated on your system.
Follow these steps precisely to enable the Hyper-V feature on Windows 11:
- Press the Windows logo key + I simultaneously to open the Settings menu.
- Click on Apps and then click Optional features.
- Scroll down to Related settings and click on More Windows features. This opens the classic Windows Features dialog box.
- In the list of Windows Features, select the checkbox next to Hyper-V. This will typically select both "Hyper-V Management Tools" and "Hyper-V Platform".
- Click OK. Windows will apply the changes and install the necessary files.
- Once completed, click Restart now to finish the installation and make Hyper-V available.
After your computer restarts, Hyper-V will be enabled and ready for you to create and manage virtual machines using the Hyper-V Manager tool.
Prerequisites for Hyper-V on Windows 11
Before attempting to enable Hyper-V, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements:
- Windows 11 Edition: Hyper-V is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It is not available on Windows 11 Home.
- Hardware Virtualization Support: Your CPU must support hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). These features must also be enabled in your system's BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.
- Memory: A minimum of 4 GB of RAM is generally required, though more is recommended for running virtual machines smoothly.
Meeting these prerequisites ensures a successful Hyper-V installation and provides a stable environment for your virtual machines.
