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This article shows how to install Hyper-V in Windows and Windows Server. Follow the set of instructions that fit your needs.
To create and run virtual machines, install the Hyper-V role on Windows Server by using Server Manager, or the Install-WindowsFeature cmdlet in Windows PowerShell.
To learn more about Hyper-V, see the Hyper-V Technology Overview. To try out Windows Server 2025, you can download and install an evaluation copy. See the Evaluation Center.
Check requirements for Windows Server
Before you install Windows Server or add the Hyper-V role, make sure that:
Your computer hardware is compatible. For more information, see System Requirements for Windows Server and System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows Server.
You don't plan to use third-party virtualization apps that rely on the same processor features that Hyper-V requires. Examples include VMware Workstation and VirtualBox. You can install Hyper-V without uninstalling these other apps. But, if you try to use them to manage virtual machines when the Hyper-V hypervisor is running, the virtual machines might not start or might run unreliably. For details and instructions for turning off the Hyper-V hypervisor if you need to use one of these apps, see Virtualization applications don't work together with Hyper-V, Device Guard, and Credential Guard.
If you want to install only the management tools, such as Hyper-V Manager, see Remotely manage Hyper-V hosts with Hyper-V Manager.
Install Hyper-V
To install Hyper-V on Windows Server using PowerShell:
On the Windows desktop, select the Start button and type any part of the name Windows PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
Important
You must run PowerShell as an Administrator, or the commands fail.
To install Hyper-V on a server you're connected to remotely, run the following command and replace
<computer_name>with the name of server. If you're connected locally to the server, run the command without-ComputerName <computer_name>.Install-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V -ComputerName <computer_name> -IncludeManagementTools -Restart
The installation starts. As soon as installation finishes, the computer restarts.
After the server restarts, you can see that the Hyper-V role is installed by running the following command:
Get-WindowsFeature Hyper-V -ComputerName <computer_name>If you're connected locally to the server, run the command without
-ComputerName <computer_name>.
Note
If you install this role on a server that runs the Server Core installation option of Windows Server and use the parameter -IncludeManagementTools, only the Hyper-V Module for Windows PowerShell is installed. You can use the GUI management tool, Hyper-V Manager, on another computer to remotely manage a Hyper-V host that runs on a Server Core installation. For instructions on connecting remotely, see Remotely manage Hyper-V hosts with Hyper-V Manager.
Enable Hyper-V to create virtual machines on Windows. Hyper-V can be enabled in many ways including using the Windows control panel, PowerShell, or using the Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management tool (DISM). This article walks through each option.
Note
Hyper-V is built into Windows as an optional feature--there's no Hyper-V download.
Check requirements for Windows
- Windows 10 (Pro or Enterprise), or Windows 11 (Pro or Enterprise)
- 64-bit Processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT).
- CPU support for VM Monitor Mode Extension (VT-c on Intel CPUs).
- Minimum of 4-GB memory.
Note
The Hyper-V role can't be installed on Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home.
For more information and troubleshooting, see Windows Hyper-V System Requirements.
Enable Hyper-V
To enable Hyper-V on Windows using PowerShell:
On the Windows desktop, select the Start button and type any part of the name Windows PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
Important
You must run PowerShell as an Administrator, or the commands fail.
Run the following command:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
Enter Y to have the computer restart to complete the installation.
To enable the Hyper-V role on Windows using DISM:
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) helps configure Windows and Windows images. Among its many applications, DISM can enable Windows features while the operating system is running.
On the Windows desktop, select the Start button and type any part of the name Windows PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
Type the following command:
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V
You see that the feature is enabled and that "The operation completed successfully."
For more information about DISM, see the DISM Technical Reference.
