To enable virtualization on Windows 10, first check Task Manager: open the Performance tab, select CPU, and look for Virtualization: Enabled. If it says Disabled, restart into your PC’s UEFI or BIOS, find the virtualization setting (often under Advanced or CPU Configuration), set it to Enabled, and save.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 26, 2026.
Virtualization is a processor feature that apps like Hyper-V, WSL 2, and Android emulators need. It’s turned on and off in the PC’s firmware, not in Windows. For one common use, see how to install an APK on Windows 10 with an Android emulator.
Check if virtualization is enabled
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select More details if you see a small window.
- Open the Performance tab and select CPU.
- Look at Virtualization under the graph.
If it already says Enabled, you’re done.
Open the UEFI or BIOS
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
If you don’t see UEFI Firmware Settings, your PC uses a legacy BIOS. Restart it and press the setup key shown on screen, often F2, F10, Del, or Esc. See how to enter BIOS or UEFI in Windows 10.
Turn on virtualization
The setting’s name and location depend on the PC maker. Look under Advanced, CPU Configuration, Processor, or Security for a name like Virtualization Technology or SVM Mode.
- Select the virtualization setting and change it to Enabled.
- Save and exit, usually with F10.
Change only this setting. Other firmware settings can stop Windows from starting.
What the setting is called on your PC
- Intel processors: Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT-x or VT-d (VT-x is the one you need).
- AMD processors: SVM Mode, AMD-V or Secure Virtual Machine.
- Dell: usually under Virtualization Support.
- HP: often under Security or System Configuration > Device Configurations.
- Lenovo: usually under Security > Virtualization.
Check again in Windows
After Windows starts, open Task Manager again and confirm Virtualization: Enabled.
Turn on the Windows features that use it
Virtualization in the firmware only makes the feature available. Some apps also need a Windows feature. Select Start, type Turn Windows features on or off, and tick what your app asks for, such as Virtual Machine Platform for WSL 2 and many emulators, Windows Hypervisor Platform for some emulators, or Hyper-V on Pro. Select OK and restart.
Troubleshooting
- There’s no virtualization option in the BIOS. Update the BIOS from your PC maker. If it’s still missing, the processor may not support it, or the maker hides it on some budget models.
- It turned off again after a BIOS update. Updates often reset settings to defaults. Turn it back on.
- The PC won’t start after the change. Enter the BIOS again and load default settings, then change only the virtualization option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enable virtualization without the BIOS?
No. Windows can’t turn the processor feature on by itself. Commands like bcdedit only control whether Windows uses it, not whether it’s enabled in the firmware.
Task Manager says Enabled, but my app says it isn’t. Why?
Another feature may be using it. For example, some emulators need Hyper-V turned off, while others need it on. See how to enable Hyper-V in Windows 10.
What do I need virtualization for?
Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, WSL 2, and most Android emulators. See how to install WSL on Windows 10.
For the separate Developer Mode setting, see how to turn on Developer Mode in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Enable virtualization on Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Is it safe to leave virtualization on?
Yes. It doesn’t slow the PC down when you’re not using it, and many security features in Windows rely on it.
Does Windows 10 Home support virtualization?
Yes for WSL 2, Windows Hypervisor Platform and Android emulators. Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox need Pro or higher.
Is it the same on Windows 11?
Yes. The firmware steps and Task Manager check are the same, and Windows 11 needs virtualization for some of its security features.
Related: install Windows 10 on VMware.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.