How to Enable Virtualization in Windows 10 Without BIOS

3 min readMar 24, 2024

Virtualization technology is essential for running virtual machines (VMs) and utilizing features like Hyper-V. While enabling virtualization typically involves tweaking BIOS settings, there are alternative methods that allow you to achieve this without diving into your computer’s BIOS. In this guide, we’ll explore three straightforward approaches to enable virtualization on your Windows 10 PC.

Prerequisites

Before we proceed, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

Windows Edition: Your Windows 10 edition must be Enterprise, Pro, or Education. Unfortunately, Windows Home, Mobile, and Mobile Enterprise do not support the Hyper-V feature.
Hardware Conditions:

64-bit Processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT): This is crucial for efficient virtualization.
CPU Support for VM Monitor Mode Extension (VT-c on Intel CPUs): Verify this in your processor specifications.
Minimum 4 GB Memory: Depending on the number of VMs you plan to run concurrently, consider having more RAM.

Three Methods to Enable Virtualization

Option 1: Enable Virtualization from Control Panel

Press the Windows logo + R to open the Run command.
Type the control panel and hit OK.
In the Control Panel, click on Programs.
Select Turn Windows Feature on or Off.
Check the box next to Hyper-V and click OK.
The feature will begin installing, and you’ll need to restart your PC to complete the process.

Option 2: Enable Virtualization with DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

Type cmd in the search bar.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
Enter the following command to list available Hyper-V features:

Dism /online /Get-Features | find “Microsoft-Hyper-V”

5. To install all Hyper-V features, use this command:

Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All

6. Confirm the installation and restart your PC when prompted.

Option 3: Enable Virtualization with PowerShell

Search for PowerShell.
Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
To list available Hyper-V features, enter:

Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online | Where-Object {$_.FeatureName -like “Hyper-V”}

4. To enable all Hyper-V features, use this command:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All

Conclusion

By following any of these methods, you can enable virtualization on your Windows 10 PC without accessing the BIOS. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or enthusiast, having virtualization capabilities opens up a world of possibilities for testing, development, and running multiple operating systems simultaneously.

Remember to choose the method that best suits your preferences and system configuration. Happy virtualizing! 🚀

About the Author: Victor Ashiedu is a technology enthusiast and writer passionate about simplifying complex tech concepts for everyday users.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is accurate as of the publication date. Always verify system requirements and follow official documentation for the most up-to-date instructions.

#virtualization #microsoft #windown10 #windows11