Windows 11 debuted in 2021, and brought with it a lot of changes to the Windows interface that we know from Windows 10. Since its initial release, it also received its first major update – Windows 11 version 22H2 – that brought more changes to the table. While Windows 11 does pack some great stuff, the changes it makes can be too annoying for some, and you might not be ready to go for it on your PC. If you are not sure if Windows 11 is right for you, you can give it a try using a virtual machine (VM). Even if you already have Windows 11 installed, you can use a virtual machine to test Insider builds as well, or update to version 22H2.
Virtual machines are a great way to test software without damaging your computer. They create an isolated environment so that any files handled within a virtual machine will not affect the host operating system. VMs also make it easy to boot up and shut down the operating system when you want to try it out, so you don’t have to restart your computer or have another device close at hand.
There are many programs that allow you to create virtual machines, but in this case, we will be using Hyper-V. This feature is built into Windows, but it is an optional feature that you will need to enable. Officially, you will need the Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows 10, but it is possible to install it on the Home editions with some modifications.
How to enable Hyper-V in Windows 10/11
First things first, you have to make sure that you have a Hyper-V compatible PC. Running a VM is not lightly burdensome, so you will need at least 4GB of RAM on the host computer. In fact, for Windows 11, you will need more, because the virtual machine you create must have 4 GB to itself in order to support Windows 11, depending on the system requirements.
There are two more things you will need:
- 64-bit processor with second level address translation (SLAT).
- CPU Support for Extended Screen Mode VM (VT-x on Intel CPUs).
Most modern processors should support these features, but it’s always best to be sure. You can check if your computer can support Hyper-V using Command Prompt or PowerShell. Heres how to do it:
- Right-click on the start icon or tap Windows key + Xthen choose Command Prompt (Administrator)And the Windows PowerShell (Administrator) or Windows Terminal (administrator). The option that appears depends on your version of Windows.
- Writes systeminfo.exe In the Command Prompt/PowerShell window and press Enters.
- check the Hyper-V . Requirements section at the end. It should say all items yes for Hyper-V to work.
if Enable virtualization in firmware Says numberYou can enable it in your computer’s firmware/BIOS settings, but these vary by device. Finally, you’ll need to make sure that Hyper-V is enabled as an optional feature. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Start and type control Boardthen press Enter.
- click Softwareand then Turn Windows features on or off.
- Hyper-V should be one of the first options. Make sure to enable it and its additional features, as shown below:
Download Windows ISO file
After all that, you’re almost ready to create a virtual machine. The last thing you need is the ISO you are going to use it for. You have a few options here:
- Download the ISO of the latest stable version of Windows 11 from Microsoft site. This is the easiest and most reliable way to download Windows 11 for VM setup.
- Download the latest version Windows Insider Preview ISOin case you want to test upcoming versions of Windows 11 before they are generally available.
- Create your own Windows 11 ISO if you are comfortable doing so. We would recommend one of the other two options though.
Create a Windows VM in Hyper-V
Creating a virtual machine in Hyper-V isn’t as scary as it might seem at first. Here’s what you need to set up a VM with Windows 10 or 11:
- Open Start and type Hyper-V. Press Enter to start playing Hyper-V . Manager.
- If this is your first time running it, you may need to click on your computer’s name in the list on the left side first.
- In the left menu, tap newand then virtual machine.
- A Virtual Machine Wizard will start to guide you through the process. click next one, Then choose a name for your Windows 11 VM.
- The virtual machine is saved as a file, and you can change where the file is saved if you want. Once done, click next one.
- Here, you will be asked which generation of VM you want to create. For newer versions of Windows, like Windows 10 or 11, you’ll want to use Generation 2.
- Next, you have to decide how much memory you want to allocate to the virtual machine. As mentioned earlier, you will need at least 4 GB of RAM, so enter 4096 MB or more. Also make sure to leave a file dynamic memory Enable option.
- In the next step, change the connection type to default switch. This will allow your VM to access the Internet, which you will need if you plan to use the Internet to install updates or test certain features.
- Now, you have to set up a virtual hard disk. This will be your VM’s available storage, and you can choose any value you want as long as your host computer has this free space. However, you need to remember that Windows 11 requires 64 GB of storage space, so this is the minimum you will need to choose. You can also change where the virtual hard disk is stored and change its name, but this is completely optional.
- This is where you will need the ISO file you downloaded before. Choose Install an operating system from a bootable image filethen press browse To search for the ISO file you downloaded.
- click next oneand then ending.
- In the Hyper-V Manager window, right-click the VM you just created, then click Settings….
- tap on protection in the menu on the left side and make sure that the file Enable secure boot And the Activate the trusted platform module Both options are enabled. You will need these for the Windows 11 VM. Also enable the option that says Encrypt virtual machine relay traffic and state. click Progressing before proceeding.
- Switch to a file Healer in the list on the left side and increase the number of default processors to two or more. This is another minimum requirement to run Windows 11, so your VM must match. You can choose as many as your computer will allow, as long as you have a powerful enough processor.
You are now ready to use your Windows 11 VM. Double-click the newly created virtual machine, then click beginning. You will have to set up Windows 11 as a brand new installation.
Install Windows 11 on your VM
From here, installing and setting up Windows 11 works just like a clean install on a real PC. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your language and region settings. The default settings should be fine, so you can click next one. On the next page, click INSTALL NOW.
- Enter a product key if you have one on hand. You can choose to skip this now, but you’ll need it later.
- Choose the version of Windows 10 you want to install. You must choose a version that matches the product key you used.
- Accept the license agreement, then choose Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced).
- You will now have to create a partition to install Windows. simple click Drive 0 unallocated spacethen press new. Use the default size, then tap Progressingand then yes. Multiple partitions will be created.
- click next one To start the installation, you will soon be running Windows 11.
- From here, you can just set up Windows 11 as you would on a brand new PC. If you need any help with the process, we have a guide on how to install Windows 11, which goes beyond the Outstanding Experience (OOBE).
You will now be running Windows 11 in your VM. There may be more updates to download in Windows Update if you want to get the latest features. Be sure to check out our update tracker to find out all about the latest updates for Windows 11. And if you want to know everything you can try right now, we also have a comprehensive list of everything that’s already available in Windows 11 previews.
Finally, if you’re not sure if your PC supports Windows 11, we have a list of PCs that will get the upgrade, but you can also check Windows Update or use the PC Health Check app on your PC. Most modern computers should support it, and you can also check out our list of the best laptops to buy today if your device is no longer supported.
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