A virtual machine is a neat software feature that simply allows you to run any operating system within an operating system. For example, you can install Linux inside Windows 10 or use virtual machines to poke around old Windows versions. Nowadays, setting up a virtual machine in Windows 10 is easy as never before. You do not need special knowledge or expensive tool to run. Still, your PC should meet specific hardware and software requirements. For start, you need a CPU that supports virtualization. Next, you need to enable virtualization technologies inside your UEFI/BIOS settings. Next, you need to enable Hyper-V (a default Windows tool for managing virtual machines.) While the first two requirements are not-so-difficult, inexperienced users may find problems with enabling Hyper-V in Windows 10.

How to Enable Hyper-V in Windows 10?

Before you start, you need to check your Windows 10 SKU. Hyper-V is not available in Windows 10 Home edition. To use Hyper-V, you need a PC with Windows 10 Professional, Professional for Workstations, Education, and Enterprise. Also, Hyper-V does not work in Windows 10 in S Mode. To enable Hyper-V you should switch from S Mode to regular Pro first.

To check your Windows edition, pressWin + I and go toSystem > About > Windows Specifications. how to enable hyper v in windows 10

Tip. If you have a computer with Windows 10 Home, do not give up. You can still use virtual machines with help from free third-party apps, such as VMWare Workstation Player. Remember, though, that your hardware should be compatible with virtualization technologies.

Now, let us show you how to enable Hyper-V in Windows 10:

  1. Open the Start menu and start typingTurn Windows Features on or off. how to enable hyper v windows 10
  2. Click onTurn Windows Features on or off. You can also run that interface by pressingWin + R and using theoptionalfeatures command. how to enable hyper v on windows 10
  3. Alternatively, pressWin + R and enterControl (you can use any other preferred method to run the classic Control Panel.) Go toPrograms and Features > Turn Windows Features on or off. It does not matter how you get to the needed section of the Control Panel, so you can use whatever suits you better. how to enable hypervisor in windows 10
  4. In the list of optional features, locateHyper-V and expand it. how to activate hyper v
  5. Place checkmarks next to all options under theHyper-Ventry. These includeHyper-V Management Tools andHyper-V Platform;
  6. Wait for Windows to download and install the required components;
  7. Restart your computer.

That is it. Now you can find Hype-V Management Tools in the Start menu to install a new virtual machine or use an existing one.

Tip. If you cannot enable Hyper-V in theTurn Windows Features on or offsection, make sure your processor is compatible with virtualization technologies and you have enabled virtualization in BIOS/UEFI.

Turn on Hyper-V in Windows 10 using Command Prompt

If you do not want to search for a specific part of the Control Panel to enable Hyper-V in Windows 10, you can use a relatively simple command.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. PressStart, entercmd, then clickRun as Administrator; how to enable virtualization in windows 10 using cmd
  2. Enter the following command:
    bcdedit /set {current} hypervisorlaunchtype off
  3. Restart your computer.
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Cyril Kardashevsky

I enjoy technology and developing websites. Since 2012 I'm running a few of my own websites, and share useful content on gadgets, PC administration and website promotion.

Cyril Kardashevsky