How To Turn On Hardware Virtualization In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home » How-To

5 min. read

Published on October 25, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Hardware virtualization is a crucial technology that allows you to run virtual machines and emulators efficiently on your Windows 11 PC. Enabling it can significantly improve the performance of applications like Android emulators, virtual machines using software like VMware or VirtualBox, and even some games. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to check if hardware virtualization is enabled and how to enable it if it’s not.

If you’re encountering performance issues with virtual machines or emulators on your Windows 11 system, the first thing you should check is whether hardware virtualization is enabled. This feature, supported by both Intel and AMD processors, allows your computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and efficiently. Let’s dive into how to enable it.

How Do I Enable Hardware Virtualization in Windows 11?

Checking if Hardware Virtualization is Already Enabled

Before you go through the process of enabling hardware virtualization, it’s a good idea to check if it’s already enabled. Here’s how:

Open Task Manager. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Task Manager.”
Click on the Performance tab.
Look for the Virtualization line. If it says “Enabled,” then hardware virtualization is already active. If it says “Disabled,” proceed to the next steps.

Enabling Hardware Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

If hardware virtualization is disabled, you’ll need to enable it through your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. The exact steps may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but the general process is similar.

Restart your computer.
As your computer boots up, press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This key is usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc. The specific key is often displayed on the boot screen.
Navigate to the CPU Configuration or Advanced settings. The name and location of this setting can vary. Look for terms like “Virtualization Technology,” “Intel VT-x,” “AMD-V,” or similar.
Enable the virtualization setting.
Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.

Verifying Hardware Virtualization is Enabled After BIOS/UEFI Changes

After making changes in your BIOS/UEFI, it’s important to verify that hardware virtualization is now enabled.

Open Task Manager again (using Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the Start button).
Go to the Performance tab.
Check the Virtualization line. It should now say “Enabled.”

Troubleshooting: Virtualization Still Disabled

If, after following the steps above, virtualization is still disabled, consider these troubleshooting steps:

Ensure that Hyper-V is disabled: Hyper-V can sometimes interfere with other virtualization software. Disable it in “Turn Windows features on or off.”
Update your BIOS/UEFI: An outdated BIOS/UEFI may not properly support hardware virtualization.
Check for conflicting software: Some security software can interfere with virtualization. Temporarily disable such software to see if it resolves the issue.

Tips for Optimizing Virtualization Performance

Once hardware virtualization is enabled, you can take a few additional steps to optimize the performance of your virtual machines and emulators:

Allocate sufficient RAM: Ensure that your virtual machine or emulator has enough RAM allocated to it.
Use a fast storage device: Storing your virtual machine on an SSD can significantly improve performance.
Update your drivers: Keep your graphics card and other hardware drivers up to date.

Understanding the Impact of Enabling Hardware Virtualization

Enabling hardware virtualization enhances the performance of virtualized environments and emulators, providing a smoother and more responsive experience. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Without Hardware Virtualization	With Hardware Virtualization
Performance	Slower, less responsive	Faster, more responsive
Resource Utilization	Higher CPU usage	Lower CPU usage
Compatibility	May not work with some apps	Improved compatibility

FAQ

What is hardware virtualization? Hardware virtualization is a technology that allows a single physical computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously, each in its own virtual machine.

Why is hardware virtualization important? It improves the performance of virtual machines and emulators, reduces CPU usage, and enhances compatibility with virtualization software.

How do I know if my CPU supports hardware virtualization? Most modern CPUs support hardware virtualization. You can check your CPU’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website (Intel or AMD).

Will enabling hardware virtualization affect my computer’s performance when not using virtual machines? No, enabling hardware virtualization typically does not negatively affect your computer’s performance when you are not running virtual machines or emulators.

Can I enable hardware virtualization from within Windows? No, hardware virtualization must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings of your computer.

Boosting Your System with Hardware Virtualization

Enabling hardware virtualization is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your Windows 11 system’s capabilities, especially if you plan to use virtual machines or emulators. By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of your hardware and enjoy a smoother, more responsive computing experience.