What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can create a Windows virtual machine with Hyper-V on a Windows 11 PC if the host runs Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise and its processor and firmware meet Hyper-V requirements. Enable the Hyper-V Windows feature, then use Hyper-V Manager’s New Virtual Machine Wizard to choose the VM generation, memory, network, virtual disk, and installation source. A Windows 11 guest needs a Generation 2 VM with Secure Boot and virtual TPM.
Check whether your PC can run Hyper-V
Hyper-V is available as a Windows feature on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise; Microsoft says it cannot be installed on Windows 11 Home. The processor and firmware must also support virtualization. Microsoft’s Hyper-V hardware requirements specify a 64-bit processor with second-level address translation (SLAT), VM Monitor Mode extensions, hardware-assisted virtualization enabled in BIOS or UEFI (Intel VT or AMD-V), hardware-enforced DEP (Intel XD or AMD NX), and at least 4 GB of host RAM. More memory may be needed to run the host and guests together. Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements describe Client Hyper-V as available in Pro editions and greater.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run
Systeminfo.exe. - Find the Hyper-V Requirements section. Microsoft says each listed requirement should show Yes for the Hyper-V role to run.
- Confirm you have enough free disk space and memory for the guest, and that your account belongs to the local Administrators or Hyper-V Administrators group.
Enable the Hyper-V feature
Installing or opening Hyper-V Manager alone does not enable the hypervisor. Windows must have the Hyper-V feature installed, and Windows 11 Home cannot install the role. Microsoft documents Control Panel, PowerShell, and DISM as enablement options; its documented PowerShell command is:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesEnable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -AllRun PowerShell as an administrator. Restart Windows if prompted. For Microsoft’s feature-installation guidance, see Install Hyper-V.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Create a VM in Hyper-V Manager
The wizard lets you configure the core VM choices and either provide installation media now or defer installation. You can also defer network selection or disk attachment when appropriate. Follow Microsoft’s VM creation guidance:
- Open Hyper-V Manager, select the host computer, and choose New > Virtual Machine.
- Enter a name and choose where to store the VM configuration.
- Select a generation. Microsoft recommends Generation 2 unless you have a specific reason to use Generation 1.
- Set startup memory. Enable Dynamic Memory if it suits the guest and workload; choose an allocation that leaves the host enough memory to operate.
- Select a virtual switch if the VM needs network access. You can configure networking later.
- Create a virtual hard disk, attach an existing VHD or VHDX, or defer disk attachment.
- Choose an installation option: install later, boot from an ISO image, use network deployment, or select another supported source.
- Review the summary and select Finish.
There is no universal memory or disk size for every guest OS or workload. Choose resources based on the guest’s requirements and what the host can spare. The wizard’s documented 32 MB minimum and 5,902 MB maximum for startup memory are interface limits, not recommendations for a modern Windows guest.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Configure a Windows 11 guest
For a Windows 11 guest, create a Generation 2 VM and meet Microsoft’s stated minimums: at least 64 GB of storage, 4 GB of VM memory, and two virtual processors. Enable Secure Boot and add a virtual TPM. The host processor must also meet the applicable Windows 11 processor requirements. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements.
- Generation: Generation 2
- Storage: At least 64 GB
- Memory: At least 4 GB
- Processors: Two or more virtual processors
- Security: Secure Boot and virtual TPM enabled
These are minimum guest requirements, not a guarantee that every workload will perform well. Allocate more resources when the guest’s intended use requires them and the host can spare them.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Use PowerShell instead of the wizard
PowerShell is useful when you want to automate VM creation. Microsoft’s VM creation documentation shows how to inspect available virtual switches with:
Get-VMSwitch * | Format-Table NameThe same documentation covers creating VMs with New-VM. Its -Version parameter can be used when a VM must move to an older Hyper-V host. A basic creation example is not, by itself, a complete Windows 11 guest setup: generation, memory, processors, disk, Secure Boot, and virtual TPM must all be configured to meet the guest’s requirements. Use the wizard if you prefer to review those choices interactively.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Choose the right generation and network timing
Generation 1 or Generation 2
Use Generation 2 for a Windows 11 guest. For other operating systems, Microsoft recommends Generation 2 unless compatibility needs give you a reason to choose Generation 1. Generation choice is made during VM creation, so check the guest’s requirements before finishing the wizard.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Connect a virtual switch now or later
Select a virtual switch during creation if the guest needs networking immediately. Hyper-V supports external, internal, and private switch types; choose according to whether the VM needs access to the external network, communication with the host, or only communication among VMs. The switch can also be configured later, so it is reasonable to defer it if you have not decided on the network arrangement.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Install the guest now or later
An ISO image is one supported installation source, but it is not required at VM creation. You can install later, attach an existing virtual disk, or use another supported source. Make sure the selected source matches the guest OS you intend to install.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
