Virtual Machine Platform is an optional Windows virtualization component used by technologies such as WSL 2 and some virtualization software. It requires compatible hardware virtualization and may require a restart after installation.
Steps
- Open Start and search for Turn Windows features on or off.
- Open the Windows Features dialog.
- Select Virtual Machine Platform.
- Choose OK and allow Windows to install the component.
- Restart the computer when requested.
- Test the virtualization feature or application that required the component.
Hardware virtualization also matters
If Virtual Machine Platform installs but cannot operate, check whether Intel VT-x or AMD-V virtualization is enabled in the computer’s UEFI/BIOS. Use the PC manufacturer’s instructions because firmware menus differ.
Related Windows features are not interchangeable
Hyper-V, Windows Hypervisor Platform, Virtual Machine Platform, Windows Sandbox, and WSL use related virtualization technologies but serve different purposes. Enable only the components required by your workload.
Check third-party hypervisor compatibility
Current versions of virtualization applications can have specific requirements or behavior when Windows hypervisor features are active. Consult the application’s current documentation before disabling Windows security features or changing firmware settings.
Windows 10 is now a legacy platform
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. For ongoing virtualization work, use a supported host operating system rather than building a new long-term environment around Windows 10.
Confirm the feature after rebooting
After Windows restarts, reopen Windows Features if troubleshooting requires confirmation and make sure Virtual Machine Platform remains selected. Then test the specific WSL or virtualization workload instead of enabling additional optional components preemptively.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
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