How To Enable Hyper-V in BIOS? (Full Guide)

by Admin

Before we start, you have to understand that enabling Virtualization from BIOS is the same as enabling Hyper-V from BIOS. Enabling virtualization technology in the BIOS is a prerequisite for running Hyper-V, Microsoft’s hypervisor-based virtualization platform.

Virtualization technology allows a computer to create and run multiple virtual machines concurrently, each operating as an independent system on the same physical hardware.

Here’s an overview of the relationship between virtualization, Hyper-V, and the steps involved:

Table of Contents

1. Enabling Virtualization in the BIOS

Virtualization technology (VT-x for Intel processors, AMD-V for AMD processors) needs to be enabled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. This technology provides the foundational support for running virtual machines on your computer.

2. Hyper-V and Virtualization

Hyper-V is a Windows feature that leverages virtualization technology to create and manage virtual machines. When you enable virtualization in the BIOS, you are essentially unlocking the capability for your system to run Hyper-V.

3. Activating Hyper-V on Windows

Once virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, you can activate Hyper-V on your Windows. This is done through the Windows Features settings. By checking the Hyper-V option, you instruct Windows to install the necessary components for managing virtual machines. So, click here to enable Hyper-V on Windows.

4. Functions of Hyper-V

Hyper-V allows you to create and manage virtual machines on your Windows. It is particularly useful for tasks such as software testing, running multiple operating systems on a single machine, or creating isolated environments for development and testing purposes.

5. Windows Editions and Hyper-V

It’s important to note that not all editions of Windows include Hyper-V. For example, Windows 10 Home does not have Hyper-V capabilities out of the box. To use Hyper-V on such systems, you need to upgrade to a higher edition of Windows, such as Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.

6. Downloading Hyper-V

If your Windows edition does not include Hyper-V, you have the option to download and install it separately. This is commonly the case for Windows 10 Home users who wish to utilize Hyper-V. You can download Hyper-V through the Turn Windows features on or off menu in the Control Panel or Settings.

In summary, enabling virtualization in the BIOS is the foundational step that unlocks the capability to run Hyper-V on your Windows. Once activated, Hyper-V provides a powerful virtualization platform for running and managing virtual machines, offering versatility for various tasks and scenarios. If your Windows edition does not come with Hyper-V, you can download and install it to take advantage of its features.