Enable Virtual Machine Platform using CMD & PowerShell
Enable Virtual Machine Platform using CMD & PowerShell: This feature on Windows 11 provides the virtualization capabilities required to run Virtual Machines and Windows Subsystem Environments, such as Windows Subsystem for Linux. On Windows Pro and Enterprise Editions, enabling VMP on Windows 11 also enables Windows Sandbox, which lets you run untrusted applications in isolation from your main system. You can enable Virtual Machine Platform using the Windows Features (GUI); however, you can also use Command Line Interface (CMD & PowerShell). The choice is yours!
Table of Contents
Virtual Machine Platform Availability on Various Windows Editions
| Windows Editions | Availability |
| Windows Servers | Yes |
| Windows 11 Home | Yes |
| Windows 11 Professional | Yes |
| Windows 11 Education | Yes |
| Windows 11 Enterprise | Yes |
| Windows 11 Pro Education | Yes |
| Windows 11 SE | No |
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise | No |
Quick Way to Turn on Virtual Machine Platform on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt
For a clear understanding, we have provided a step-by-step explanation with clear images. Let’s get started.
- Let’s open the Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges. There are different ways to open CMD with Elevated Permissions. We will use the Run Command. Use the Keyboard Shortcut WinKey + R to open the Run Command.
- In the Run, type the command
cmdand press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.
- The User Account Control will confirm and open the Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges.
- Once the Command Prompt opens, execute the following command in the CMD.
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
- The above command will use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool and enable VMP via the CMD. DISM requires Elevated permissions, and that is why we are running CMD with Administrator Rights.
- Once the process is completed, we will get the message “The Operation Completed Successfully“. Virtual Machine Platform is now enabled on your Windows 11. We highly recommend you to save your works and restart your system.
Decoding Virtual Machine Platform Command
How to Enable Virtual Machine Platform (VMP) using Windows PowerShell?
This is an alternate method to enable VMP on Windows 11.
- Go to the Run Command using WinKey + R.
- In the Run, type the command
powershelland press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.
- The system will confirm and open Windows PowerShell with Elevated Permissions.
- In PowerShell, execute the following command.
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -All -NoRestart
- The system will enable VMP on Windows 11.
- Restart Needed value is true, and it suggests doing a Restart right away so that the changes made will reflect.
Decoding VMP via PowerShell Command
Video Walkthrough – How to Enable Virtual Machine Platform using the Command Prompt & Windows PowerShell?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did VMP suddenly show up in my “Turn Windows Features On or Off” list?
Microsoft has leaned heavily into virtualization for security and app compatibility. If you’ve ever used WSL2 or used a security feature like “Memory Integrity,” Windows likely toggled this on in the background to make those features work.
Do I need to change anything in my BIOS for the Virtual Machine Platform to work?
For the Virtual Machine Platform to function, you must enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V (Virtualization Technology) in your BIOS/UEFI settings. If this is disabled at the hardware level, Windows can’t use the feature, even if it’s “turned on” in the settings.
Why is VMP required for “Memory Integrity” in Windows Security?
Windows 11 uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to isolate core system processes in a secure “bubble.” The Virtual Machine Platform provides the infrastructure for that bubble, making it much harder for malware to reach the most sensitive parts of the operating system.
I’m getting a “WSL 2 requires the Virtual Machine Platform” error. How do I fix it?
This usually happens if the feature was accidentally turned off or if your BIOS virtualization is disabled. Enable Virtual Machine Platform using the methods of this article.
Take Away
If you are comfortable with the Command Line Interface, then you can follow the above methods to enable Virtual Machine Platform on Windows 11. These methods can be ideal for IT admins for Automations, or Mass Deployment, and for Headless Servers and Remote Sessions.
Have Queries?
If you have any queries, kindly let us know in the comments section. For more interesting articles, visit Winsides.com. Happy Computing! Peace out!
