How to Check if Virtualisation is Enabled on Windows 11: An Australian Guide

Checking if Virtualisation is Enabled in Windows 11

Figuring out whether virtualisation is activated on your Windows 11 PC is pretty straightforward and can save you a few headaches down the line. This quick check lets you know if your system can handle virtual machines or certain software that relies on hardware virtualisation magic. The easiest way is to use built-in tools—no need to dive into fiddly BIOS settings right away.

Open Task Manager

Right-click on the taskbar; this usually opens a menu without fuss. Select “Task Manager” from the list. If you want to save time, just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it directly. Task Manager is like a backstage pass to see what’s happening inside your PC—CPU usage, RAM, and all the bits that make your machine tick.

Head to the Performance Tab

Once Task Manager is open, click on the “Performance” tab at the top. This screen gives a clear overview of your PC’s components, showing graphs and stats for CPU, memory, disk activity, and more. To check for virtualisation support, look at the CPU section.

Check CPU Details

On the left sidebar in the Performance tab, select “CPU.” This filters out the noise and shows detailed processor info. Here, you’ll see the clock speed, core count, and importantly, whether virtualisation support is enabled or not.

Look for Virtualisation Status

Scroll down until you see the “Virtualisation” line. It will clearly say either “Enabled” or “Disabled.” If it says “Enabled”, good on you! Your system is ready to run virtual environments—great if you’re testing software or doing some enterprise work.

Close Task Manager

Once you’ve checked the virtualisation status, click the “X” in the corner to close Task Manager. If it’s turned off and you need it active, you’ll have to jump into the BIOS or UEFI settings—yes, a reboot is required, and you’ll need to press some keys during startup to get there.

Tips to Ensure Virtualisation Is Ready to Go

Keep Windows 11 up to date—outdated software can sometimes block virtualisation features. Using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut for Task Manager is a quick and handy way to get in. If virtualisation isn’t enabled after checking, it’s usually a matter of tweaking the BIOS or UEFI settings during startup. Common keys to tap are F2, F10, Del, or Esc. Look for options like Intel VT-x or AMD-V and turn them on. Don’t forget to save your changes before rebooting.

Command Line Options and Settings to Know

If you prefer checking via terminal, you can use:

systeminfo | findstr /I "Hyper-V"

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_Processor | Select-Object Name, SecondLevelAddressTranslationExtensions, VirtualizationFirmwareEnabled

if you’re comfortable with PowerShell.

To enable Hyper-V (which some virtualisation tasks require), open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
```
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
```
Then just restart your PC.
If you want to delve deeper into your CPU’s capabilities, hit Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Information window, check for virtualisation support.

Final Word on Virtualisation Settings

Knowing how to check if virtualisation is active on Windows 11 isn’t just tech jargon—it’s an essential skill for anyone doing software development, trying out virtual labs, or just curious about what their PC can do. The process is user-friendly, especially since it’s based on tools already included in Windows. If virtualisation isn’t enabled, tweaking the BIOS setting is usually straightforward—just be prepared for some trial and error with the keys, depending on your hardware. Keeping your Windows up to date also helps maintain compatibility and performance. Whether you’re setting up virtual machines or just exploring, knowing how to check and enable virtualisation is a handy trick in your toolkit.