How to Install Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine

System Requirements for Windows 11 installation

Before diving into the installation, it's crucial to understand the system requirements.

Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11

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)

Hardware Requirements for Virtual Machine Software

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)

Choosing the Right VM Software

There are several virtual machine software options available, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

Overview of Popular VM Software

VMware Workstation Player

Pros: User-friendly interface, stable performance, extensive features.

Cons: The free version has limited features.

Oracle VirtualBox

Pros: Open-source, free, supports various guest operating systems.

Cons: Slightly less intuitive than VMware, occasional performance issues.

Microsoft Hyper-V

Pros: Integrated with Windows, robust performance, good security.

Cons: Available only on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Downloading Windows 11 ISO

To install Windows 11 on a VM, you'll need the Windows 11 ISO file.

Steps to Download 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.

Installing VMware Workstation Player

Next, let's install the VMware Workstation Player, which is a popular choice for running VMs.

Downloading VMware Workstation Player

1. Go to the VMware Workstation Player website.

2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system.

Installation Process

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.

Setting Up a New Virtual Machine in VMware

Now, let's set up a new virtual machine to host Windows 11.

Launching VMware Workstation Player

1. Open VMware Workstation Player.

2. Select "Create a New Virtual Machine."

Creating 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).

Configuring VM Settings

Proper configuration of your VM is essential for optimal performance.

Allocating Memory and CPU

1. Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for better performance).

2. Assign at least 2 CPU cores.

Setting Up Storage

1. Create a virtual disk with at least 64 GB of storage.

2. Choose "Store virtual disk as a single file" for better performance.

Installing Windows 11 on the VM

With the VM configured, it's time to install Windows 11.

Mounting the Windows 11 ISO

1. Ensure the Windows 11 ISO is mounted to the virtual CD/DVD drive.

2. Power on the virtual machine.

Starting the Installation Process

1. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the installation.

2. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.

3. Click "Install Now."

Completing the Windows 11 Setup

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.

Post-Installation Configuration

After installing Windows 11, there are a few more steps to enhance your VM experience.

Installing VMware Tools

1. Go to "Player" > "Manage" > "Install VMware Tools."

2. Follow the installation prompts to enhance performance and usability.

Configuring Display Settings and Resolution

1. Adjust the display resolution for better clarity.

2. Configure any other settings to match your preferences.

How to create a Windows 11 To Go USB

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%.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

1. What are the system requirements for Windows 11 on a VM? 

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.

2. Can I use Windows 11 on a VM for gaming? 

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.

3. How do I update Windows 11 on a VM? 

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.

4. What is the best VM software for Windows 11? 

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.

5. Is it legal to run Windows 11 on a VM? 

Yes, as long as you have a valid Windows 11 license, running it on a VM is legal.