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To configure Hyper-V in Windows 11, first confirm your PC runs Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise and meets Hyper-V’s hardware requirements. Enable the optional feature, restart, then use Hyper-V Manager to create a virtual machine, choose whether it needs network access, and install its operating system. Windows 11 Home is not a supported edition for installing the Hyper-V role.

Check that your PC can run Hyper-V

Microsoft lists Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise as supported editions; its documented Hyper-V role installation path does not support Windows 11 Home. Hyper-V is an optional Windows feature, not a separate download. Microsoft’s installation instructions list these host requirements:

  • A 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT).
  • VM Monitor Mode extensions.
  • At least 4 GB of RAM. This is a minimum host requirement, not a promise that 4 GB will be available to a guest; the host and all running VMs need sufficient memory.
  • Hardware virtualization support enabled in BIOS or UEFI.

To check the processor and virtualization requirements, open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run Systeminfo.exe. Review the Hyper-V Requirements section in the output. If it reports that virtualization is disabled in firmware, enable the relevant virtualization setting in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI; the setting name varies by manufacturer.

Enable the Hyper-V feature

Choose the Windows interface for a one-off setup, or use an elevated shell if you prefer a command-line method. Both routes install the built-in feature; restart Windows when prompted to complete setup.

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Turn it on in Windows Features

  1. Open Control Panel and select Programs → Programs and Features.
  2. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  3. Select Hyper-V, then choose OK. If the Hyper-V option is unavailable, recheck your Windows edition and host eligibility.
  4. Restart the PC when Windows prompts you.

Enable it with PowerShell or DISM

Run one of these commands in an administrator shell, then restart when required. Microsoft’s PowerShell procedure specifically requires administrator privileges and a restart.

  • PowerShell: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
  • DISM: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V

Create and install a virtual machine

After restarting, open Hyper-V Manager. The New Virtual Machine wizard collects the settings needed to create a guest. Have an operating-system installation ISO ready if you plan to install from an image.

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  1. In Hyper-V Manager, select the host, then choose Actions → New → Virtual Machine.
  2. Enter a VM name and, if desired, choose a location for its configuration files.
  3. Choose a generation. Microsoft recommends Generation 2 unless you have a specific compatibility reason to select Generation 1.
  4. Assign startup memory. You can enable Dynamic Memory in the wizard; allocate resources with the host and any other running VMs in mind.
  5. Choose a virtual switch if the guest needs network access. You can leave networking unconfigured and add it later.
  6. Create a virtual hard disk, select an existing VHD or VHDX, or defer attaching a disk.
  7. Choose an installation source, such as an operating-system ISO, review the summary, and finish the wizard.
  8. In Hyper-V Manager, start the VM and connect to it to complete the guest operating-system installation.

See Microsoft’s VM creation guidance for the wizard options. PowerShell’s New-VM is another way to create a virtual machine.

Choose a virtual switch based on the VM’s network needs

A virtual switch determines what the VM can reach. In Hyper-V Manager, open Virtual Switch Manager, choose the switch type, and create it. You do not have to give every VM network access.

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Switch type Typical scope Considerations
External Connects VMs to an external network through a host network adapter you select. Microsoft warns that creating an external switch may temporarily disrupt the host’s network connectivity.
Internal For communication involving the host and VMs. Use when you need a narrower network than an external connection; check Microsoft’s switch documentation for exact behavior and advanced configurations.
Private For VM-to-VM communication without the host connection provided by an internal switch. Use when guests need to communicate with one another but not with the host through that switch; verify details before relying on it in a production design.

For exact switch behavior and configuration details, consult Microsoft’s virtual switch documentation.

Use checkpoints without mistaking them for backups

A checkpoint records a VM state so you can roll back after a change, such as installing software. It is not a substitute for a separate backup. Microsoft distinguishes two checkpoint types:

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  • Standard checkpoints capture the VM’s running state, including memory. Microsoft notes they may cause data consistency issues for systems that replicate data.
  • Production checkpoints are intended to create data-consistent checkpoints without capturing memory. They use Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) for Windows guests or file-system freeze for Linux guests.

Microsoft says production checkpoints are selected by default on Windows 10 and Windows 11 Hyper-V. For details on checkpoint behavior and settings, see Microsoft’s checkpoint documentation.

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Special requirements for a Windows 11 guest

Running Windows 11 inside Hyper-V adds guest requirements beyond the host eligibility checks. Microsoft lists the following settings for a Windows 11 VM:

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  • Generation 2.
  • At least 64 GB of storage.
  • Secure Boot and virtual TPM enabled.
  • At least 4 GB of memory.
  • At least two virtual processors.

The host processor must also meet Windows 11 processor requirements. A Generation 1 VM cannot be upgraded in place to Generation 2 for this purpose, so select Generation 2 when creating a VM intended to run Windows 11. Microsoft’s Windows 11 VM guidance was last updated July 14, 2026: Windows 11 virtualization requirements.

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