Setup Hyper-V and Build VMs in Windows 11

Introduction

Hyper-V is Microsoft’s native Type-1 hypervisor, available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Unlike Type-2 hypervisors such as VirtualBox or VMware Workstation, Hyper-V runs directly on the hardware, offering better performance, security, and integration with Windows. It’s included at no additional cost with these editions of Windows 11.

This guide walks you through enabling Hyper-V on Windows 11, creating a new virtual machine (VM), and installing Windows 11 inside it — along with common scenarios where Hyper-V is useful for IT professionals and consultants.

Why Use Hyper-V

Hyper-V allows you to create isolated virtual environments for testing, development, and consulting work. It’s ideal for anyone who needs to experiment safely or maintain multiple environments on a single machine.

Testing and Development

You can create VMs to test Windows configurations, Group Policy settings, Intune deployments, PowerShell automation, or new software releases without affecting your main system.

VPN and Client Work

Consultants often connect to multiple client networks. Using separate VMs for each client lets you:

• Connect to client VPNs without disrupting your main network connection
• Keep credentials and authentication isolated per client
• Reset or clone VMs before new projects
• Ensure compliance when handling sensitive information

For instance, one VM can be configured for Microsoft Entra ID administration, while another is used for Sentinel or Defender testing — each fully isolated.

Lab and Training Environments

Hyper-V also supports building complete lab setups with domain controllers, servers, and workstations. This is useful for testing Conditional Access, Zero Trust configurations, or Microsoft 365 deployments, as well as preparing for technical certifications.

Verify Hardware Virtualization Support

Before installing Hyper-V, confirm your CPU and BIOS support virtualization.

Requirements:

• 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
• CPU support for VM Monitor Mode Extension (VT-x on Intel / AMD-V on AMD)
• Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
• Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Hyper-V not available on Home edition)

Check in Windows:

1. Open Task Manager → Performance → CPU tab
2. Ensure Virtualization: Enabled

If it shows Disabled, continue to the next step.

Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

Reboot your computer and press the appropriate key for BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2, or F10).

Locate virtualization options (varies by manufacturer):

• Intel: “Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)” and “VT-d”
• AMD: “SVM Mode” and “AMD-V”

Enable both virtualization and IOMMU/VT-d if available.

Save changes and exit BIOS.

NOTE: If virtualization is not enabled, your VM will fail to start in Hyper-V with the following error message:

Install Hyper-V on Windows 11

You can install Hyper-V using Windows Features GUI or PowerShell.

Option A: Using GUI

1. Press Start, type features, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down and check Hyper-V, including:
   • Hyper-V Management Tools
   • Hyper-V Platform
3. Click OK and reboot your system when prompted.
   
   

Option B: Using PowerShell

Run PowerShell as Administrator and execute:

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

After progress bar completes, enter “Y” to reboot your PC to complete the installation.

Verify the installation by opening Hyper-V Manager from the Start menu.

Download Windows 11 ISO Image

To create your VM, you’ll need the official Windows 11 installation media.

• Official Microsoft site: Download Windows 11 ISO
• 3rd party sites: msdl.gravesoft.dev or files.rg-adguard.net for other build versions

After downloading:

1. Right-click the ISO file → Properties → check Unblock → Apply
2. Store the ISO in an easily accessible folder (e.g., C:\ISOs\Windows11.iso

Create a New Virtual Machine in Hyper-V Manager

1. Open Hyper-V Manager → right-click your PC name → New → Virtual Machine
2. Follow the wizard:
   • Specify Name and Location: e.g., “Windows11-TestVM”
   • Generation: Choose Generation 2 (supports UEFI, Secure Boot, TPM)
   • Memory: Allocate at least 4 GB (8 GB preffered)
   • Networking: Connect to a Default Switch (NAT) or a custom virtual switch
   • Virtual Hard Disk: Minimum 60 GB
   • Installation Options: Choose Install an operating system from a bootable image file and browse to your ISO
   • Don’t power on your VM until you configure additional settings in the next section

Additional Settings (after creation)

• Right-click the VM → Settings
  • Processor: Increase Virtual CPUs if available
  • Security: Ensure Enable Secure Boot and Enable TPM are checked
  • Firmware: Ensure DVD Drive is moved to the top of the boot order

Install Windows 11 in the Virtual Machine

1. Start the VM and press any key when prompted to boot from the DVD.
2. Follow the Windows Setup wizard:
   • Select language and region
   • Click Install Now
   • Choose I don’t have a product key if you’re testing
   • Select Windows 11 Pro
   • Proceed with installation and wait for it to complete
3. Set up your local account or Microsoft account.

Note: Without activation, Windows 11 runs in evaluation mode for up to 180 days.

Post-Installation Tips (optional)

• Install Guest Services: In VM → Action → Insert Integration Services Setup Disk (older builds)
• Enable Enhanced Session Mode for better mouse and clipboard integration
• Snapshots: Use checkpoints to capture VM states before major changes
• Networking: Create an External Switch for internet access if needed
• Performance: Consider placing VM disks on SSD/NVMe drives

Common Troubleshooting

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Hyper-V not listed in optional features	Using Windows 11 Home	Upgrade to Pro or Enterprise
“Virtualization disabled” warning	Disabled in BIOS	Re-enable VT-x/AMD-V
VM won’t boot ISO	Boot order misconfigured	Move DVD to top under Firmware
TPM/secure boot errors	VM created as Gen 1	Recreate as Generation 2