If you want to run other operating systems like Linux or another copy of Windows on your Windows 11 PC without buying another computer, you can use a tool called Hyper-V. It lets your computer create “virtual machines” that act like separate computers inside your own.

This guide will show you easy steps to turn on Hyper-V on your Windows 11 PC.

What is Hyper-V?

Hyper-V is a free feature in Windows 11 that lets you create virtual computers inside your real computer. Each virtual computer can run its own operating system and programs. This is great for:

• Trying out new software safely
• Learning how other operating systems work
• Running programs that only work on other systems

Before You Start: Check Virtualization Support

Hyper-V needs your computer’s hardware to support something called virtualization. Most modern PCs have this, but it might be turned off.

To check and turn it on:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. (Usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F10 while your PC starts.)
2. Look for an option named Virtualization Technology or Intel VT-x or AMD-V.
3. Make sure it’s Enabled.
4. Save and exit the BIOS. Your PC will restart.

If you’re unsure how to do this, check your PC or motherboard manual or search online for “how to enable virtualization on [your PC model].”

Turn On Hyper-V via Windows Features

Once virtualization is enabled, here’s how to turn on Hyper-V in Windows 11:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) and type Turn Windows features on or off, then click the matching result.
2. In the window that opens, scroll down and find Hyper-V.
3. Check the box next to Hyper-V, and also check its two sub-boxes: Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform.
4. Click OK.
5. Windows will prepare the feature and then ask you to restart your PC. Click Restart now.

Alternative: Enable Hyper-V Using Command Prompt

If you prefer typing commands, you can turn on Hyper-V this way:

1. Click Start, type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Copy and paste this command and press Enter:

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

When it finishes, it will ask if you want to restart. Type Y and press Enter to reboot your PC.

Another Way: Enable Hyper-V Using PowerShell

You can also use PowerShell to enable Hyper-V:

1. Click Start, type PowerShell.
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Type or paste this command and press Enter:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All

When it finishes, restart your computer if asked.

How to Create a Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V

After enabling Hyper-V and restarting, you can create your first virtual machine:

1. Click Start and search for Hyper-V Manager and open it.
2. In the Hyper-V Manager window, click Action > New > Virtual Machine.
3. Follow the on-screen wizard to set up your new virtual machine (choose name, RAM, disk size, etc.).
4. Once done, you can start your virtual machine and install an operating system inside it.

Summary

• Hyper-V lets you run multiple virtual computers on your Windows 11 PC.
• You need to make sure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS before turning on Hyper-V.
• You can enable Hyper-V using Windows Features, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
• After enabling, you can create virtual machines to test new software or try other operating systems.
• This is a great way to explore different systems safely without extra hardware.

If you want to learn more about Hyper-V or virtual machines, check out Microsoft’s official Hyper-V guide.