Hardware virtualization in Windows 10 is enabled by turning on Intel VT-x or AMD-V in BIOS/UEFI, then activating Virtual Machine Platform in Windows Features.
Trying to run virtual machines, Windows Sandbox, or an Android emulator on Windows 10? None of them work unless hardware virtualization is switched on in two places—your PC’s firmware and Windows itself. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.
Does Your PC Support Hardware Virtualization?
Most modern PCs with Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors support hardware virtualization. You can check support before touching any firmware settings. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), click Performance > CPU, and look at the Virtualization line. If it says Enabled, you’re all set—no further action needed. If it says Disabled, your hardware almost certainly supports virtualization but has it turned off in the firmware.
Intel users can verify CPU support with the Intel Processor Identification Utility, while AMD users can use the AMD-V Detection Utility. A green checkmark next to Intel® Virtualization Technology means your processor is ready.
Enabling Hardware Virtualization In Windows 10: The Step Order That Works
Step 1: Enter Your PC’s UEFI/BIOS
The easiest way from within Windows is to use the recovery menu. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > under Advanced startup click Restart now. After the restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Your machine will boot directly into the firmware interface.
Alternatively, you can press a specific key during boot (typically F2, Del, Esc, or F10) – the exact key depends on your motherboard or laptop manufacturer. The table below lists common keys and typical menu paths.
| Manufacturer | Common BIOS Key(s) | Typical Menu Path |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F2 | System Configuration → Virtualization Support |
| HP | F10 (Esc for boot menu) | Security → Virtualization Technology |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 | Advanced → CPU Configuration → Intel Virtualization Technology |
| ASUS | F2 or Del | Advanced → CPU Configuration → SVM Mode / Intel VT-x |
| Acer | F2 | Main → Virtualization Technology |
| MSI | Del | Overclocking → CPU Features → SVM Mode / Intel Virtualization Tech |
| Toshiba | F2 | Advanced → Virtualization Technology |
Step 2: Enable the Virtualization Setting
Once inside the firmware interface, navigate to the section that contains CPU settings – commonly Advanced, CPU Configuration, Security, or Virtualization. Look for one of these labels depending on your processor:
- Intel CPUs: Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT-x, or Virtualization Technology (set to Enabled).
- AMD CPUs: SVM Mode (set to Enabled).
Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled, then save and exit. Usually you press F10 or select Save Changes & Reset – the exact save command is shown on screen. The PC will reboot into Windows.
Step 3: Turn On Virtual Machine Platform In Windows
With virtualization enabled in firmware, you now need to activate the corresponding Windows feature. Open the Start menu, type Windows Features, and click Turn Windows features on or off. In the list, check Virtual Machine Platform. Microsoft also recommends checking Hyper-V Platform and Hyper-V Management Tools if you plan to use Hyper-V or Windows Sandbox. Click OK and restart when prompted.
For the full official guidance, see Microsoft’s enable virtualization guide.
| Software / Use Case | Windows Features Needed | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hyper-V | Hyper-V Platform + Hyper-V Management Tools | Only on Pro/Enterprise editions |
| Windows Sandbox | Windows Sandbox (check in Windows Features) | Requires Virtual Machine Platform also enabled |
| WSL 2 | Virtual Machine Platform + WSL | WSL 2 uses a lightweight VM |
| BlueStacks 5 | Virtual Machine Platform (sometimes) | Most versions detect firmware-only enablement |
| VMware Workstation / VirtualBox | Usually no extra Windows feature needed | Rely on firmware virtualization only |
| Docker Desktop (WSL 2 backend) | Virtual Machine Platform + WSL | Requires WSL 2 default |
| Android Studio Emulator | Virtual Machine Platform (recommended for acceleration) | Intel HAXM may alternatively be used |
Verifying Virtualization Is Enabled
After both steps, confirm everything is working. Open Task Manager, go to Performance > CPU, and check Virtualization: Enabled. You can also run systeminfo in Command Prompt and look for Hyper-V Requirements: A hypervisor has been detected. Features required for Hyper-V will not be displayed. – that message indicates virtualisation is on.
If you still see “Disabled” in Task Manager, re-enter the firmware and double-check that the virtualization setting was saved (some BIOS versions have a separate “Save and Exit” step). Also make sure you selected the correct setting – Intel VT‑x vs. AMD SVM – and that your CPU actually supports it (use the detection tools mentioned earlier). Microsoft warns not to change any other firmware settings, as that can prevent Windows from booting.
Once verified, you’re ready to run virtual machines, emulators, and sandboxed environments. No further configuration is needed – the two‑step process (firmware + Windows feature) is all it takes.
References & Sources
- Microsoft Support. “Enable Virtualization on Windows.” Official steps for UEFI/BIOS and Windows features.