How to Enable Hyper-V on Windows 10 Pro

beginnerVirtualization2 min
Independently tested and verified on Dec 31, 2025. Commands reproduced exactly as run.

Prerequisites

This tutorial takes about 2 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Check Virtualization Status

Open Task Manager (search for it in the Start menu), go to the Performance tab, and select CPU. Look for the Virtualization entry near the bottom — if it says Enabled, your PC is ready and you can skip ahead to Step 3.

Windows 10 Task Manager Performance tab showing CPU virtualization as Enabled

Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI (if needed)

If Task Manager showed virtualization as disabled, restart your PC and enter its BIOS/UEFI setup. Find the virtualization option (often labeled VT-x or AMD-V, depending on your CPU) and turn it on — check your motherboard's manual if you can't find it. Save changes and boot back into Windows.

Step 3: Open Windows Features

Type Windows Features into the search bar and select Turn Windows features on or off.

Step 4: Enable Hyper-V

In the list, find Hyper-V and click the plus sign to expand it. Make sure Hyper-V, Hyper-V Management Tools, and Hyper-V Platform are all checked, then click OK to apply.

Windows Features dialog with Hyper-V, Hyper-V Management Tools, and Hyper-V Platform checkboxes all selected

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Windows needs a restart to finish installing Hyper-V. Save your work and restart when prompted.

Step 6: Confirm Hyper-V Is Active

After restarting, search for Hyper-V Manager and open it. If it launches without errors, Hyper-V is active and you're ready to create virtual machines.

Hyper-V Manager open in Windows 10, confirming Hyper-V has been successfully activated

FAQ

Hyper-V requires Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise; it isn't available on Windows 10 Home.
Restart into your BIOS/UEFI settings and enable the VT-x (Intel) or AMD-V (AMD) option, then save and reboot.
Yes, Windows needs a restart to finish installing Hyper-V before it becomes active.

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Products used in this tutorial

Windows 10 Pro
operating-system

Windows 10 Pro

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro - the professional edition of Windows 10 with advanced security, remote desktop, and enterprise management features.

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