How to Enable or Disable Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows 11

What is Windows Hypervisor Platform?

Running virtual machines—essentially, computers within your computer—on Windows 11 requires a tool called the Windows Hypervisor Platform.

Hardware works more efficiently with this feature enabled. Better resource management ensures virtual machines run smoothly alongside primary applications.

Turn On Windows Hypervisor Platform Using the Settings App

Windows 11 includes a toggle for this feature directly inside the main configuration menu. Press Win+I on the keyboard to open Settings ⚙️, click System on the left side, and choose Advanced on the right side to see more options.

1. Open the Settings ⚙️ app. Click the Start button ⊞ and select Settings. Or press Win+I on your keyboard.
2. Click System on the left side.
3. Click Advanced on the right side to see more options.
4. Click on Virtual Workspaces to open it.
5. Find the switch labeled Windows Hypervisor Platform and turn it On.
6. Close the Settings app ⚙️ when you’re done.

Settings

Turn On Windows Hypervisor Platform Using Control Panel

Legacy configuration screens offer another pathway via the Control Panel. Search for 'Turn Windows features on or off' in the taskbar search box and open the utility from the results.

1. Click Start, type "Turn Windows features on or off", and click the matching result.
2. In the Windows Features window that opens, scroll down and find Windows Hypervisor Platform.
3. Check the box next to it to turn it on.
4. Click OK to save.
5. Your PC might ask you to restart. Go ahead and restart to apply the changes.

Turn On Windows Hypervisor Platform Using Command Prompt

Command-line administrators can configure the platform through the Command Prompt. Launch the console with elevated privileges before executing configuration commands.

Text-based management provides a reliable alternative for configuration:

1. Click Start, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter to turn on Hypervisor Platform:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"HypervisorPlatform"

Disabling the feature requires a modified syntax:

DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"HypervisorPlatform"

System reboots apply the modified platform states.

Turn On Windows Hypervisor Platform Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers a quicker route for command-line users. Click Start, type PowerShell, right-click the result, and choose Run as administrator.

Automation scripts frequently rely on this shell environment:

1. Click Start, type PowerShell, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. To turn on Hypervisor Platform, type this command and press Enter:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "HypervisorPlatform"

Deactivation follows a similar syntax structure:

Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "HypervisorPlatform"

How to Create Virtual Machines Using Hyper-V Manager

Virtual environments take shape inside Hyper-V Manager once the underlying platform runs. Launch the management console from the search menu, then open Action › New › Virtual Machine to launch the configuration wizard.

1. Click Start and search for Hyper-V Manager.
2. Open the app. In the menu, click Action › New › Virtual Machine
3. Follow the instructions in the wizard to set up your new virtual machine.

Controlling this platform lets operating systems run side by side on Windows 11 hardware. Virtualization technology builds isolated environments for testing distinct software packages. Linux distributions run natively on Windows 11 hardware without dedicated physical machines thanks to this isolation.

Summary

• Windows Hypervisor Platform helps you run virtual machines on Windows 11.
• You can turn it on or off through Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
• After enabling it, you can create and manage virtual machines using Hyper-V Manager.
• This is useful if you want to try out other operating systems or test software safely.
• For more tips on Windows 11, check out Geek Rewind.