How to Enable or Disable Virtual Machine Platform in Windows 11
You enable or disable the Virtual Machine Platform in Windows 11 to control access to hardware virtualization features.
The Virtual Machine Platform is a Windows feature that allows virtualization software, such as Docker Desktop or Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2), to leverage your PC’s hardware virtualization capabilities. It acts as a hypervisor, providing a low-level interface for virtual machines to run efficiently.
Enabling this feature is crucial if you need to run virtual machines or use applications that rely on WSL 2, which became a default component in Windows 11 build 22000. Disabling it can free up system resources if you don’t require these functionalities.
Enable Virtual Machine Platform Using Settings
This is the easiest way to turn on Virtual Machine Platform.
- Open the Windows Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I.
- Click System on the left side.
- Select Advanced on the right to expand it.
- Click on Virtual Workspaces to expand it.
- Toggle the Virtual Machine Platform button on or off.
- Close the Settings app.
Enable Virtual Machine Platform Using Control Panel
This method uses the older Control Panel app.
- Click Start and type “Turn Windows features on or off” in the search bar.
- Select the result to open the Windows Features pane.
- Scroll down and check the box next to Virtual Machine Platform to turn it on.
- To turn it off, uncheck the box .
What happens next? You’ll see a message asking you to restart your computer to complete the process.
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, Virtual Machine Platform will be active. You can now create virtual machines and run different operating systems.
Enable Virtual Machine Platform Using Command Prompt
You can also enable this feature through the Command Prompt.
- [REQUIRES ADMIN PRIVILEGES] Click Start, search for Command Prompt, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
- Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"VirtualMachinePlatform"To turn it off, run this command instead:
DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"VirtualMachinePlatform"- Restart your computer.
Virtual Machine Platform should now be installed and enabled.
Enable Virtual Machine Platform Using PowerShell
If you prefer PowerShell, you can use it to turn the feature on or off.
- [REQUIRES ADMIN PRIVILEGES] Open the Start menu and search for PowerShell.
- Type this command to enable Virtual Machine Platform:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "VirtualMachinePlatform"To disable it, run this command instead:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "VirtualMachinePlatform"- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Summary
Virtual Machine Platform is a Windows 11 feature that lets you create and run virtual machines on your computer. You have four ways to enable or disable it:
- Settings app — The easiest method for most users
- Control Panel — Uses the older Windows features panel
- Command Prompt — Requires admin privileges; use the DISM command
- PowerShell — Requires admin privileges; use the Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature command
No matter which method you choose, always restart your computer after enabling or disabling the feature. Once enabled, you can create virtual machines and test different operating systems for development and testing purposes.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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