Windows 10 tip: How to enable Hyper-V and create virtual machines
Windows 10 April 2018 Update: Here's what you can expect
Before you can use Hyper-V, you have to enable the feature using this Control Panel dialog box.
One of the most powerful tools in Windows 10 is its built-in virtualization platform, Hyper-V.
Using Hyper-V, you can create a virtual machine and use it for evaluating software and services without risking the integrity or stability of your "real" PC. Creating a new virtual PC is easy, but first you have to turn on the Hyper-V feature. Here's how.
Start by confirming that your PC is capable of running Hyper-V.
- Your PC must be running a business edition of Windows 10: Pro or Enterprise. Windows 10 Home does not include Hyper-V support.
- Hyper-V requires 64-bit Windows. If you're running the 32-bit architecture, you're out of luck.
- Your CPU and associated hardware must meet specific requirements. Most modern CPUs pass this test with ease. (For full details, see "Windows 10 tip: Find out if your PC can run Hyper-V.")
- Finally, you need enough physical hardware to devote to your virtual machine. At a minimum, that means at least 4 GB of installed RAM (I recommend 8 or 16 GB for any kind of serious work with Hyper-V). You also need enough unused local storage to hold a full installation of Windows, apps, and checkpoints (32 GB should be sufficient).
With those requirements out of the way, you're ready to turn on Hyper-V. In the search box, type Turn Windows features on or off and click the top result.
That opens the Control Panel dialog box shown here. Scroll down to the Hyper-V entry and click to enable the full feature set.
Close the Windows Features dialog box and restart your PC. You're now ready to open the Hyper-V management console and begin creating your first virtual machine. For details on how to do that, see "Windows 10 tip: Quickly create a virtual machine to test new features."
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