How to Create Windows 11 in Virtual Machine

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Windows 11 has quickly become a favorite among users for its sleek design, enhanced performance, and new features. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or just someone who loves to explore new operating systems, creating a Windows 11 virtual machine (VM) can be incredibly useful. Not only does it provide a safe environment for testing and development, but it also allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine.

Why Create a Windows 11 Virtual Machine?

Virtualization offers numerous benefits, making it an essential tool for many tech enthusiasts. By creating a Windows 11 Virtual Machine, you can:

1. Test new software and updates: Without risking your primary system. 2. Develop and debug applications: In an isolated environment. 3. Experience Windows 11: Without committing to a full installation. 4. Run multiple operating systems: On a single physical machine.

If you wish to experiment with Windows 11 on your personal computer but are hesitant to replace a stable version of Windows 10 with a new operating system that you may not enjoy, you may employ a virtual machine. Virtual machines enable the simulation of a personal computer, which is then executed in a window on top of the primary operating system.

The following steps will provide a detailed explanation of how to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine. We will demonstrate how to install VMWare Workstation Player, a complimentary application, of the numerous virtual machine applications that are available. Nevertheless, Player does not support TPM, a prerequisite for Windows 11, in contrast to the $99 VMWare Workstation Pro. Oracle VirtualBox, an additional free option, is currently lacking TPM support; however, it is scheduled to be implemented soon.

Although earlier versions of Windows 11 would permit the absence of TPM support in your VPN, the most recent versions do not. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to our tutorial on the third method of obtaining a Windows 11 ISO, which enables the creation of an ISO that circumvents the TPM requirement.

Before creating Windows 11 Virtual Machine

1. Check System Requirements:

Ensure your physical machine meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11, including a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. Verify that your system supports virtualization and that it is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

2. Download a Windows 11 ISO:

Obtain a legitimate copy of the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft's official website.

3. Install Virtualization Software:

Choose and install virtualization software such as VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V. Ensure the chosen software is compatible with your operating system and supports Windows 11.

How to install Windows 11 on virtual machine

In this part, we'll show you how to create Windows 11 Virtual Machine.

1. Create a New Virtual Machine 

1. Download and install VMware Workstation Player. It is available for free download for non-commercial purposes.

2. If you do not already possess a Windows 11 ISO file, generate one. At present, VMWare Workstation Player does not support TPM. Consequently, Aveyo's Universal MediaCreationTool is required to generate your ISO, as it automatically disables TPM detection. For additional information, refer to the third method in our article on the acquisition of a Windows 11 ISO file.

3. In the VMWare Workstation Player, navigate to the Player->File menu and select "New Virtual Machine."

4. When prompted, select the location of your Windows 11 ISO file and click "Next."

5. Select Microsoft Windows as the guest operating system and either Windows 11 or Windows 10 as the version number. Your version of VMWare Player may not have Windows 11 as an option, as ours did not; however, selecting 10 is acceptable. Click on the "Next" button.

6. Name your virtual machine anything you want and click Next.

7. Configure the Maximum disk size to a minimum of 64GB and select "Store virtual disk to one file." Click on the "Next" button. Select "Customize Hardware."

8. It is recommended that the RAM be increased to a minimum of 4GB (4096MB), and preferably 8GB. Select the "Close" button.

9. Select "Finish" and verify that "Power on this virtual machine..." is selected.

2. Install Windows 11 in Virtual Machine

1. To launch from the ISO, which the VM perceives as a DVD, press a key. If your reaction time is inadequate, you may choose Power->Restart from the Player menu.

2. Comply with the instructions to install Windows 11. For those who lack a product key, selecting "I don't have a product key" will result in the installation of the operating system, although it will not be officially activated.

3. If prompted, select the desired version of Windows 11.

4. When prompted to select between Custom and Upgrade, select Custom Install and subsequently select your disk. Naturally, you will be required to wait a few minutes for the installation to be finalized. Additionally, ensure that you utilize a Microsoft Account when prompted.

5. Select "Install Tools" and subsequently install the VMWare graphics driver from the virtual optical drive.

Alternative to install Windows 11 Virtual Machine: Running Windows 11 without installation on any PC

If you are one of users who need to use Windows 11 but the devices are not enough to support this task, there is another easier method to solve this issue. Creating Windows To Go for Windows 11 installation will be significantly simpler if you are not sufficiently acquainted with the aforementioned method.

Since Microsoft discontinued its official Win To Go service for Windows 11, we suggest that AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional be used as an alternative. This instrument is intended to facilitate the resolution of a variety of computer-related issues. One noteworthy feature is the "Windows To Go Creator," which allows users to establish a Windows environment on a USB drive and circumvent the necessity for system upgrades.

In other words, this USB allows you to access a new system at your convenience, while simultaneously maintaining your device's original operating system. Additionally, it facilitates the development of a Windows OS bootable USB on Mac devices.

The USB should be larger than 13GB.

Please make a backup of your important data on your USB. The data on it will be wiped in the process of creation.

You probably need to download Windows ISO files if you need a new Windows 11.

Step 1. Plug the USB into the computer and wait for it to be detected by your device. If it failed, you can refer to the solutions.

Step 2. Launch the installed AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Select a disk, and click “Tools" > “Windows To Go Creator” at the top menu.

Step 3. Click “Create Windows To Go for personal computer” and choose “Next”.

Step 4. Select “Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO”. Usually, the Windows 11 ISO file will be detected automatically, if not, you can click the folder icon to select the target file manually. Then click “Next”.

Step 5. Choose the USB drive as the target and select “Proceed” to continue.

Step 6. You will be noticed that all data on the USB will be wiped. Choose “Yes”. Then you can unplug the USB and try to boot it on another computer. If you do not know how to boot, you can continue following the steps below.

Step 7. Insert the Windows 11 To Go USB drive into your computer. Boot the device and press a specific key to enter BIOS/UEFI.

Step 8. Choose USB Device and press “Enter” key to boot from the Windows 11 bootable USB.

Conclusion

Creating a Windows 11 virtual machine offers a versatile and safe environment for testing, development, and everyday use. By leveraging the powerful features of AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, especially the "Windows To Go" function, you can easily run Windows 11 on any computer. This combination provides a flexible, efficient, and user-friendly solution for managing and utilizing Windows 11.

FAQs about creating Windows 11 virtual machine

1. How much RAM do I need for a Windows 11 VM?

At least 4GB of RAM is required, but 8GB or more is recommended for better performance.

2. Can I use AOMEI Partition Assistant for other operating systems?

Yes, AOMEI Partition Assistant supports various Windows versions and can manage disks used by other operating systems.

3. What are the limitations of "Windows To Go"?

"Windows To Go" requires a certified USB drive and may not support all hardware configurations or certain features like Windows Update.

4. How do I update Windows 11 on my virtual machine?

Use Windows Update within the VM to download and install updates just like on a physical machine.