Hyper-V is Microsoft’s built-in virtualization platform in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Turning it off can help when other virtualization apps or some games’ anti-cheat tools have trouble. You can disable it in Windows Features or with one command, then restart.
Quick Answer
Open Turn Windows features on or off, uncheck Hyper-V, click OK, and restart. If virtualization features are still active, also uncheck Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform.
How to Disable Hyper-V in Windows 11
- Press Windows+R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter to open Windows Features.
- Uncheck Hyper-V.
- If you also want the hypervisor fully off, uncheck Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform. Note that WSL 2 and some Android tools need them.
- Click OK and restart when prompted.
- Alternatively, run bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off in an admin terminal and restart; use bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto to turn it back on.
Features That Use the Hypervisor
| Feature | Needs hypervisor |
|---|---|
| Hyper-V | Yes |
| Virtual Machine Platform (WSL 2) | Yes |
| Windows Sandbox | Yes |
| Memory integrity (Core isolation) | Uses virtualization-based security |
| Windows Hypervisor Platform | Yes |
Related: How to Disable Virtualization in BIOS on Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- Hyper-V still seems active: memory integrity in Windows Security, Device security, Core isolation also uses virtualization. Only turn it off if you understand the security trade-off.
- The Hyper-V option is missing: Home editions do not include Hyper-V.
- To turn it back on, see how to enable Hyper-V.
- To create virtual machines, read how to create a virtual machine in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable Hyper-V?
Yes, if you do not use features that rely on it. Some security features may also be affected.
Will disabling Hyper-V speed up my PC?
Usually not noticeably, but it can resolve conflicts with other virtualization software.
Does this delete my virtual machines?
No. VM files stay on disk and work again when Hyper-V is re-enabled.
Summary
- Open Windows Features.
- Uncheck Hyper-V.
- Uncheck related platforms if needed.
- Restart the PC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.