How to Enable Virtualization in Windows 11

If you want to run Android apps on your PC using the Windows Subsystem for Android, or if you want to install a completely separate operating system (like Ubuntu Linux) inside a virtual machine using software like VirtualBox or VMware, you must have Hardware Virtualization enabled. Without it, the virtual machine will immediately crash upon boot, throwing a highly technical error about “VT-x” or “AMD-V” being disabled.

Hardware Virtualization is a physical feature built directly into your computer’s processor (CPU) that allows it to partition its processing power to run multiple operating systems simultaneously. While almost every CPU built in the last decade supports this feature, computer manufacturers often ship their motherboards with the feature turned off by default.

Step 1: Check if Virtualization is Already Enabled

Before you dive into the terrifying BIOS menus, you should verify if you actually need to.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the Performance tab on the left-hand side (it looks like a small line graph).
3. Ensure you have CPU selected.
4. Look at the block of text at the bottom right corner of the window. Look for the word Virtualization.

If it says “Enabled,” you can stop reading this article. You are ready to go. If it says “Disabled,” proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Access the Motherboard BIOS / UEFI

You cannot turn on Hardware Virtualization from within Windows 11. You must change the setting at the absolute lowest hardware level of the machine, before Windows even boots.

The modern, easiest way to access the BIOS in Windows 11 is through the Advanced Startup menu.

1. Click the Start Button, click the Power icon, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, and click Restart.
2. When the blue Advanced Startup screen appears, click Troubleshoot.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
5. Click the Restart button.

Your computer will instantly reboot directly into the motherboard’s master control panel.

Step 3: Enable the Setting in the BIOS

Every single motherboard manufacturer (Dell, HP, ASUS, MSI) designs their BIOS screen completely differently. There is no universal map. You must hunt for the setting using logic.

1. Use your arrow keys (or your mouse, if your BIOS supports it) to navigate the menus.
2. You are looking for a menu labeled something like Advanced, CPU Configuration, or System Configuration.
3. Once inside that menu, you must locate the specific virtualization setting. The name of the setting depends on who manufactured your processor:
   • If you have an Intel CPU: Look for Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT-x, or simply Virtualization.
   • If you have an AMD CPU: Look for SVM Mode (Secure Virtual Machine) or AMD-V.
4. Once you find the setting, select it and press Enter to change it from Disabled to Enabled.

Step 4: Save and Exit

This is the most crucial step. If you press the power button now, the setting will not save.

1. Look at the legend at the bottom of your screen. Usually, you must press the F10 key to “Save and Exit.”
2. A pop-up will ask “Save configuration changes and exit now?” Select Yes.

The computer will reboot normally into Windows 11. If you open the Task Manager again, Virtualization will now proudly display “Enabled,” and your virtual machines will boot flawlessly.