How to Enable Virtualization in Windows 10 in 2024

The technique of generating a virtual representation of computer components is known as virtualization. Virtualization enables the creation of numerous distinct environments, known as virtual machines, within a single system. Users are enticed to enable virtualization on their PCs by this.

These virtual machines (VMs) are all independent and distinct from one another. You can install apps and other things independently on each VM to behave like a separate machine.

How to enable virtualization in Windows 10

Is Windows 10 capable of supporting virtualization? Yes, it is the answer. It is one of the most potent and fantastic features available for Windows 10. The Hyper-V hypervisor from Microsoft does virtualization.

To enable this feature, though, there are a few requirements. Here is a list of them:

  • Windows Pro or Enterprise; Virtualization is not possible on Windows 10 Home edition as Hyper-V is not supported.
  • A 64-bit, SLAT (Secondary Level Address Translation) processor.
  • Enable virtualization on the BIOS.

This raises the issue of how to make Windows 10 devices virtualization-ready. The actions to enable virtualization are detailed below.

  1. Open the Windows search tab
  2. Type “Turn Windows features on or off” and open the program that pops up.Turn Windows features on or off
  3. Check the box next to “Hyper-V” to enable the hypervisor to operate and click “OK”.Hyper-V
  4. The necessary files required to enable virtualization will start getting installed.
  5. You will be asked to reboot the computer along with a pop-up.
  6. Click “Restart now”.

You have now successfully enabled Hyper-V and the virtualization component.

Virtual machines can now be built and run on your PC! the steps below to create your first virtual machine:

  1. In the Windows search tab, type ‘Control Panel’ and open it.
  2. Click on ‘Administrative Tools’.
  3. Once it opens, you can see the ‘Hyper-V Manager‘. Click on it to open.
  4. On Hyper-V manager, you will see the User’s name on the left. Click on it to start working.
  5. Under ‘Action’ menu on the top bar, select ‘New’ and click on ‘Virtual machine’. Else, click on the ‘New’ under the ‘Actions’ tab on the right side of the program and select ‘Virtual machine’.
  6. The ‘New Virtual Machine Wizard’ will pop up.
  7. Tap on ‘Finish’ to complete setting up a basic virtual machine. Now click ‘Next’ if you wish to create a customized virtual machine.
  8. You will see the newly created virtual machine in the Hyper-V program.

Enable Virtualization on PC BIOS Setting

The BIOS screen and options vary depending on the PC. The methods required to enable virtualization from the BIOS also vary depending on the PC maker. Normally, the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12) during boot can be used to access BIOS settings. It’s the ESC, or Delete key, on some PCs.

The keys vary among products from the same manufacturer and other manufacturers. Google the right key for your system if you don’t already know it.

When your computer starts up, tap the key once every two seconds or so as soon as the screen appears. Making this change via the Windows 10 Settings is quicker and more convenient.

  1. Go to Windows Settings
  2. Click on Update & Security
  3. Now click on Recovery
  4. Click Restart now under Advanced startup.
  5. Go to Troubleshoot
  6. Click on Advanced Options
  7. Now click on UEFI Firmware Settings
  8. Click Restart.

If you use UEFI-boot, only this technique will function. Additionally, the BIOS provides access to this parameter. You need not worry if you are unaware of this. Every Windows computer comes pre-configured with UEFI boot enabled.

A menu or tab marked “Advanced” might be present. This is where you’ll most likely discover the setting you need to activate. This could also have a distinct label on top of everything else that could be different. It might be Configuration, as on my Lenovo Ideapad, or Advanced Mode.Lenovo-Ideapad-BIOS-Settings

Finally, locate the setting with the name “Virtualization” and activate it. Sometimes, the name is utterly ambiguous. Vanderloop, for instance. Depending on your processor and other variables, these are typically used.