Here are the **steps to set up and use a Virtual Machine (VM) in Windows 11** using
**Hyper-V** and **VirtualBox** (you can choose either one):
---
# **Method 1: Using Hyper-V (Built-in)**
> Hyper-V is available only on **Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education**
editions.
> If you have Windows 11 Home, skip to **Method 2 (VirtualBox)**.
---
## ✅ **Step 1: Enable Hyper-V**
1. Open **Settings** → **Apps** → **Optional Features**.
2. Scroll down and click **More Windows features**.
3. Check the following options:
- **Hyper-V**
- **Virtual Machine Platform**
- **Windows Hypervisor Platform**
4. Click **OK** and restart the system.
---
## ✅ **Step 2: Open Hyper-V Manager**
1. Press **Win + S** → Type **Hyper-V Manager** → Open it.
---
## ✅ **Step 3: Create a Virtual Machine**
1. In Hyper-V Manager, click **"New" → "Virtual Machine"**.
2. Set the following options:
- **Name** → Choose a name for the VM.
- **Generation** → Select **Generation 1** (unless you need UEFI).
- **Startup Memory** → Allocate at least **4 GB** (or more if you have enough
RAM).
- **Network** → Choose **Default Switch**.
- **Virtual Hard Disk** → Create a new VHD (at least **20 GB**).
- **Installation Options** → Select **ISO file** → Browse and select your OS
ISO.
---
## ✅ **Step 4: Start the Virtual Machine**
1. Select the VM from the list.
2. Click **Start** → Right-click the VM → **Connect**.
---
## ✅ **Step 5: Install the Operating System**
1. The VM will boot from the ISO file.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS.
---
## ✅ **Step 6: Configure VM Settings (Optional)**
1. Right-click the VM → **Settings**.
2. Adjust the following based on your system resources:
- **Memory** – Increase or decrease the RAM.
- **Processor** – Increase the number of cores if needed.
- **Network Adapter** – Choose a different network switch if required.
---
## ✅ **Step 7: Use and Manage the VM**
1. Start the VM from Hyper-V Manager.
2. Use **Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow** to switch back to the host OS.
3. Shut down the VM properly after use.
---
# **Method 2: Using VirtualBox (Free and Available on All Editions)**
> Suitable for **Windows 11 Home** or if you prefer an open-source solution.
---
## ✅ **Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox**
1. Go to [https://www.virtualbox.org](https://www.virtualbox.org).
2. Download the latest version for **Windows Hosts**.
3. Install VirtualBox using the default settings.
---
## ✅ **Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine**
1. Open **VirtualBox** → Click **"New"**.
2. Set the following options:
- **Name** → Choose a name for the VM.
- **Type** → Select the OS type (e.g., Linux, Windows).
- **Version** → Choose the specific version (e.g., Ubuntu 64-bit).
- **Memory** → Allocate at least **4 GB** (or more if possible).
- **Virtual Hard Disk** → Create a new VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
- **Storage on physical hard disk** → Choose **Dynamically allocated**.
- **Size** → Set at least **20 GB**.
---
## ✅ **Step 3: Attach an ISO File**
1. Select the VM → Click **Settings**.
2. Go to **Storage** → Click **Empty** under **Controller: IDE**.
3. Click the disk icon → Choose a disk file → Select your OS ISO.
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## ✅ **Step 4: Start the Virtual Machine**
1. Start the VM from the VirtualBox dashboard.
2. The VM will boot from the ISO file.
---
## ✅ **Step 5: Install the Operating System**
1. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS.
2. After installation, remove the ISO file:
- Go to **Devices** → **Optical Drives** → **Remove disk from virtual drive**.
---
## ✅ **Step 6: Install Guest Additions (Optional but Recommended)**
1. After installation, select **Devices** → **Insert Guest Additions CD**.
2. Follow the prompts to install drivers for better performance.
3. Restart the VM.
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## ✅ **Step 7: Adjust VM Settings (Optional)**
1. Right-click the VM → **Settings**.
2. Adjust the following as needed:
- **Memory** – Increase or decrease the RAM.
- **Processors** – Increase the number of cores.
- **Display** – Increase video memory.
---
## ✅ **Step 8: Use and Manage the VM**
1. Start and stop the VM from VirtualBox.
2. Use **Right Ctrl** to release mouse and keyboard control.
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## 😎**Setup Complete!** 😎
- ✅ Use Hyper-V if you want a lightweight and fast VM.
- ✅ Use VirtualBox if you need more customization or are using Windows 11 Home.
