Google Play Games on PC needs hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V, often called SVM) turned on in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings, plus the Windows Hypervisor Platform feature turned on in Windows. First check whether it’s already on: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click Performance > CPU, and look at Virtualization. If it says Disabled, restart into your BIOS, turn on Intel Virtualization Technology or SVM Mode, save, and restart. Then turn on Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows Features and restart again.
Below are the full steps, what to do if the setting is missing, and the other requirements for Google Play Games on PC.
Step 1: Check if virtualization is already on
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click Performance, then CPU.
- Look for Virtualization in the lower-right details.
If it says Enabled, skip to Step 3. If you don’t see a Virtualization line at all, your processor may not support it.
Step 2: Turn on virtualization in the BIOS or UEFI
- Open the firmware settings from Windows: go to Settings > System > Recovery (on Windows 10, Update & Security > Recovery), click Restart now next to Advanced startup, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Or press your PC’s setup key (often F2, Del, F10, or Esc) while it starts.
- Find the virtualization setting. It’s often under Advanced, CPU Configuration, Security, or System Configuration. Look for:
- Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT-x, or VT-x on Intel PCs
- SVM Mode, AMD-V, or AMD SVM on AMD PCs
- Set it to Enabled.
- Save and exit, usually with F10, and confirm.
For help getting into the firmware, see how to open the BIOS on Windows 11. On some PCs, virtualization options only appear after a BIOS update from the PC maker.
Step 3: Turn on Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Press Windows key + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
- Check Windows Hypervisor Platform. Many guides also recommend checking Virtual Machine Platform.
- Click OK and restart when asked.
The Google Play Games installer may offer to turn this on for you. If it does, accept and restart.
Step 4: Open Google Play Games again
Launch Google Play Games. If it still says virtualization is off, restart your PC once more, since some changes don’t take effect until a full restart.
Google Play Games on PC requirements
| Requirement | Minimum (per Google) |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 (version 2004) or Windows 11 |
| Storage | An SSD with enough free space |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 or comparable |
| Processor | 4 physical CPU cores |
| Memory | 8 GB of RAM |
| Account | Windows administrator account |
| Virtualization | Hardware virtualization turned on |
Google updates these requirements, so check the Google Play Games website for the current list.
Troubleshooting
- Virtualization is enabled, but Google Play Games still complains. Make sure Windows Hypervisor Platform is on. Update your graphics driver and Windows, then restart.
- Other emulators stop working. Some older Android emulators or virtual machine apps don’t work with Windows Hypervisor Platform turned on. Update them, or turn the feature off when you use them.
- No virtualization setting in the BIOS. Update the BIOS from your PC maker’s website. Some locked-down business PCs require an IT administrator to change it.
- BitLocker recovery key prompt after changing BIOS settings. Enter your recovery key. See how to find your BitLocker recovery key.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to turn on virtualization?
Yes. It’s a standard processor feature used by Windows security features, virtual machines, and Android emulators.
Does turning on virtualization slow down my PC?
Not noticeably for everyday use. Games running in Google Play Games use some memory and CPU while they’re open.
Can I enable virtualization without the BIOS?
The hardware setting itself is in the firmware. See how to enable virtualization in Windows 11 for what you can change from Windows.
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.