Windows 11 has arrived, bringing a sleek new design and enhanced features. Whether you're eager to explore its capabilities or need a safe environment for testing, installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine (VM) is an excellent option. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation.
Before diving into the installation, it's crucial to understand the system requirements.
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p)
1. Additional CPU and RAM resources to support the VM
2. Adequate storage space for both the host and the VM
3. A modern CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
There are several virtual machine software options available, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros: User-friendly interface, stable performance, extensive features.
Cons: The free version has limited features.
Pros: Open-source, free, supports various guest operating systems.
Cons: Slightly less intuitive than VMware, occasional performance issues.
Pros: Integrated with Windows, robust performance, good security.
Cons: Available only on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
To install Windows 11 on a VM, you'll need the Windows 11 ISO file.
1. Visit the official Microsoft website.
2. Select "Download Now" under the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) download section.
3. Choose your preferred language and click "Confirm."
4. Click on the 64-bit Download button.
Next, let's install the VMware Workstation Player, which is a popular choice for running VMs.
1. Go to the VMware Workstation Player website.
2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system.
1. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Accept the license agreement and choose the installation directory.
3. Complete the installation and launch VMware Workstation Player.
Now, let's set up a new virtual machine to host Windows 11.
1. Open VMware Workstation Player.
2. Select "Create a New Virtual Machine."
1. Choose "Installer disc image file (ISO)" and browse to the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.
2. Click "Next" and enter the product key if you have one.
3. Set the operating system as "Microsoft Windows" and version as "Windows 10 x64" (compatible with Windows 11).
Proper configuration of your VM is essential for optimal performance.
1. Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for better performance).
2. Assign at least 2 CPU cores.
1. Create a virtual disk with at least 64 GB of storage.
2. Choose "Store virtual disk as a single file" for better performance.
With the VM configured, it's time to install Windows 11.
1. Ensure the Windows 11 ISO is mounted to the virtual CD/DVD drive.
2. Power on the virtual machine.
1. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the installation.
2. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.
3. Click "Install Now."
1. Enter the product key or skip if you don’t have one.
2. Accept the license terms and select the custom installation option.
3. Choose the virtual disk you created and start the installation.
After installing Windows 11, there are a few more steps to enhance your VM experience.
1. Go to "Player" > "Manage" > "Install VMware Tools."
2. Follow the installation prompts to enhance performance and usability.
1. Adjust the display resolution for better clarity.
2. Configure any other settings to match your preferences.
Since Windows 11 won’t support the “Windows to Go” function, no matter what reason that makes you need a Windows 11 to Go USB, how to create a Windows 11 bootable USB will be the problem you may think about more than once.
Don’t worry, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional will solve this issue for you. This powerful third-party software has a “Windows To Go Creator” function which is specifically devised for making a bootable device to help users enjoy their OS wherever they go. You can integrate your beautiful life into your PC.
Step 1. Insert the USB in and wait for your computer to detect it. If it failed, you can check solutions here.
Step 2. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. On the top toolbar, click "Tools" > "Windows To Go Creator".
Step 3. Choose “Create Windows To Go” for personal computer and click “Next”.
Step 4. Choose the suitable option "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO" or “Create Windows To Go with the current system”. If Windows 11 ISO file isn’t detected automatically, click the folder icon to select manually. Then, click “Next”.
Step 5. Select a USB drive as target and click “Proceed”
Step 6. You’ll receive the message that all data on this USB drive will be erased. Click “Yes” to continue.
After that, you can disconnect the USB, and try to boot it on another PC.
Note: If you choose “Create Windows To Go with the current system”, there will be 2 more steps after steps 3 and 4.
1. After you choose the creating way, you’ll see current system info.
2. After you selected a USB, the program will restart into the Windows PE environment to create Windows To Go. Wait until the progress reaches 100%.
Installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine offers a safe and flexible environment to explore the new OS without impacting your main system. Whether you choose VMware, Hyper-V, or VirtualBox, this guide provides the necessary steps to get started. Enjoy the enhanced features of Windows 11 while maintaining the convenience and security of a virtual environment.
The minimum requirements include a 1 GHz 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 compatible graphics.
While it's possible, performance may not be optimal for high-end gaming due to the resource limitations of VMs. It's better suited for testing and development purposes.
You can update Windows 11 on a VM through Windows Update, just like on a physical machine. Ensure your VM has an internet connection and sufficient resources.
The best VM software depends on your needs. VMware Workstation Player is user-friendly, VirtualBox is free and versatile, and Hyper-V integrates well with Windows.
Yes, as long as you have a valid Windows 11 license, running it on a VM is legal.