To check hardware virtualization in Windows 11, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, select Performance, then CPU, and look at the Virtualization line. If it says Disabled, turn it on in your PC’s UEFI/BIOS settings. The option is usually called Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) or AMD SVM Mode.
This guide covers Windows 11 Home and Pro on Intel and AMD PCs: how to check the setting, how to reach UEFI from Windows, where the option usually sits for major PC brands, the Windows feature some apps also need, and fixes when it still won’t work. Steps follow Microsoft’s virtualization guide, checked October 1, 2026. Microsoft notes that many Windows PCs already have virtualization turned on, so check first.
Check Whether It’s On
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Performance, then CPU.
- Find Virtualization under the graph. Result: it says Enabled or Disabled. If it says Enabled, you don’t need to change anything in UEFI.
If there’s no Virtualization line at all, your processor may not support it. Look up your CPU model on Intel’s or AMD’s site, and install the latest Windows updates.
Turn It On in UEFI/BIOS
Microsoft suggests opening these steps on another device first, because your PC will restart into a menu without a browser. Know your PC maker and model before you start.
- Save your work and close your apps.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now. Result: the PC restarts to a blue “Choose an option” screen.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then Restart. Result: the PC opens its UEFI (BIOS) setup screen.
- Find the virtualization setting. It’s often under Advanced, CPU Configuration, System Configuration or Security. Look for Intel Virtualization Technology, VT-x, SVM Mode or AMD-V.
- Set it to Enabled, then save and exit (often with F10). Result: the PC restarts into Windows. Check Task Manager again; Virtualization should now say Enabled.
Microsoft warns to change only the setting you need in UEFI, because adjusting other settings can stop Windows from starting.
Where to Find the Setting on Popular PCs
Menu names vary by model and firmware version, but these are the usual locations:
- HP: System Configuration > Virtualization Technology.
- Dell: Virtualization Support > Virtualization (some models also list VT for Direct I/O).
- Lenovo: Security > Virtualization, or Configuration on some laptops.
- ASUS: Advanced > CPU Configuration > Intel Virtualization Technology, or SVM Mode on AMD boards.
- Acer: Advanced (or Main) > Virtualization.
- Microsoft Surface: virtualization is already on, so there’s nothing to change.
Microsoft’s guide links to each maker’s own instructions for Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. If your brand isn’t listed, check the PC or motherboard manual.
Turn On Virtual Machine Platform (If an App Asks)
Some apps, including WSL and many Android emulators, also need the Virtual Machine Platform feature in Windows. Microsoft notes this often applies to PCs that were upgraded from Windows 10.
- Select Start, type Windows features, and open Turn Windows features on or off.
- Check Virtual Machine Platform and select OK.
- Restart when asked. Result: the feature is turned on after the restart.
On recent Windows 11 builds (24H2 and 25H2 with late-2025 updates), the same switch is also in Settings > System > Advanced > Virtual Workspaces. You need an administrator account either way.
What Uses Virtualization?
If It Still Doesn’t Work
- The option is missing or grayed out: update the BIOS from your PC maker’s support site, and confirm your CPU supports VT-x or AMD-V. On work or school PCs, IT may have locked the firmware with a password.
- UEFI Firmware Settings isn’t in the menu: your PC may use legacy BIOS. Restart and press the setup key shown at startup, often F2, F10, F1 or Delete.
- VirtualBox or VMware says VT-x isn’t available, but Task Manager says Enabled: Windows features that use the hypervisor, such as Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform or Memory integrity (Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation), can conflict with older versions. Update the app first; turn those features off only as a last resort.
- An emulator still complains: make sure Virtual Machine Platform is on, then restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to turn on virtualization?
Yes. It’s built into modern processors, and many PCs ship with it on. Only run virtual machines and emulators from sources you trust.
Does virtualization slow down my PC?
Not by itself. The setting has no noticeable effect unless you’re running a virtual machine or emulator.
Can I turn on hardware virtualization without the BIOS?
No. The CPU setting can only be changed in UEFI or BIOS. Windows features like Virtual Machine Platform are separate and depend on it being on.
Why don’t I see UEFI Firmware Settings?
Some older PCs use legacy BIOS. Restart and press the setup key shown during startup, often F2, F10, or Delete. Secure Boot lives in the same firmware menus; see how to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11.
Does Windows 11 Home support virtualization?
Yes, the hardware feature works on any edition. Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox need Pro or higher, but WSL works on Home. Android emulators also need it; see how to install an APK on Windows 11.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read hundreds of millions of times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.