How to Enable Virtualisation in Windows 11 Without Accessing BIOS

Getting Virtualisation Up and Running on Windows 11 Without Touching the BIOS

So, you’ve got a Windows 11 machine and want to turn on virtualisation, but poking around in the BIOS sounds like a bit of a hassle. Good news — it’s not the only way. Windows 11 offers some built-in tools that make this process a whole lot easier. Think along the lines of WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) and Hyper-V. These let you run virtual machines straight from your Windows environment, without messing around with BIOS settings that can be a bit intimidating.

Here’s How to Switch on Virtualisation Features

If you’re keen to explore virtual machines but prefer to avoid BIOS fiddling, Windows has got you covered. By flicking a couple of switches in the settings, you can enable everything needed for virtualisation. This will allow you to run Linux or other virtual environments seamlessly. It’s pretty liberating, honestly — no more sweating over obscure BIOS menus or cryptic options.

1. Find the Windows Features Menu

First up, access the Windows Features window. The quickest way? Hit the Start menu, type “Windows Features”, then select “Turn Windows features on or off”. Think of this as a toolbox full of system options — you can toggle plenty of features here. For a faster route, press Win + R, type in optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter.

2. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux

Once the window opens, look for “Windows Subsystem for Linux”. Tick the box, click “OK”, and you’re all set — WSL is now enabled. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting to do development work without installing a full Linux OS. It allows you to run Linux apps natively inside Windows without the fuss.

If you prefer using the command line, you can also enable WSL via PowerShell (run as admin) with this command:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

3. Turn on the Virtual Machine Platform

Next, find “Virtual Machine Platform” in the same list and check that box too. This feature is essential for running virtual machines smoothly. It acts as the glue that holds everything together. After ticking the box, hit “OK” to save your changes.

If you prefer PowerShell, run this command:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform

4. Restart Your PC

Now, here’s the part you can’t skip — restart your computer. Yep, it’s the classic “turn it off and on again,” but this step lets Windows fully apply the new settings. Think of it as giving your system a quick breather before it gets to work.

5. Pick and Install a Linux Distribution

Once you’re back up, open the Microsoft Store and choose a Linux distro that catches your eye. Popular options include Ubuntu and Kali Linux. Installing is straightforward — just search “Linux,” pick the one you want, and hit “Install.” After that, click “Launch” and follow the prompts. Setting up a Linux environment is now easier than ever.

Want to get the most out of WSL? After installing your distro, run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

This upgrades WSL to version 2 for better performance and compatibility.

Tips for Smooth Virtualisation with Windows 11

Keep your Windows 11 up to date — updates often include fixes for virtualisation features.
For best results with WSL, set it to version 2;
Check if your hardware supports virtualisation — most modern PCs do. Head to System > About > System Information, or run systeminfo.exe in Command Prompt and look for “Hyper-V – VM Monitor Mode Extensions“.
If you’re planning to do more with virtual machines, consider enabling Hyper-V as well. Use PowerShell (run as admin) with:

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

Make sure you have enough free disk space — at least 10 GB free is a good rule of thumb before installing anything.

Common Questions About Virtualisation in Windows 11

What’s the deal with virtualization?

Virtualisation allows you to create virtual copies of hardware, so you can run multiple operating systems on a single machine. It’s handy for testing, development, or running software that needs a different OS.

Can I turn on virtualisation without rebooting?

Mostly, no. Usually, a restart is required for Windows to fully enable new features. It’s just how Windows likes to play it.

Is enabling these features safe for my PC?

Absolutely. Turning on these options is standard practice, and Windows is designed to do this securely.

Are all Linux distros compatible with WSL?

Most of the popular distros are available on the Microsoft Store. Just do a bit of homework to check compatibility before installing.

Do I need internet access to set up WSL?

Yes, you’ll need an internet connection initially to download the Linux distro from the Store. Once installed, you can use WSL offline without issues.

Summary of Key Steps

Open the Windows Features window.
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Activate the Virtual Machine Platform.
Reboot your PC.
Download and set up your chosen Linux distribution.

In summary, enabling virtualisation in Windows 11 without touching the BIOS is completely doable thanks to built-in Windows features. By turning on WSL and the Virtual Machine Platform, you can start developing, testing, or exploring virtual environments without any BIOS fuss. It’s a real game changer. Windows is making it easier, and once you give it a go, you might wonder why you hesitated in the first place. If this little tip makes your setup smoother, then happy virtualising!