How to Install Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine allows users to experience Microsoft’s latest operating system without modifying their primary system. In this in-depth guide, we provide an exhaustive walkthrough for setting up Windows 11 on virtual environments using VirtualBox and VMware Workstation—the two most widely adopted virtualization platforms. This process is ideal for developers, IT professionals, testers, and tech enthusiasts seeking to evaluate the OS in a safe, controlled environment.

System Requirements for Installing Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine

Before proceeding, ensure your host machine meets the minimum requirements for running a Windows 11 virtual machine.

• Processor: 64-bit dual-core processor with at least 1 GHz and support for virtualization (VT-x or AMD-V)

• Memory (RAM): Minimum 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)

• Storage: At least 64 GB of available space

• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver

• TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module requirement can be bypassed for VM environments

• UEFI with Secure Boot: Often simulated in VMs, but not strictly necessary

• Host Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux

Download Windows 11 ISO File

Visit the official Microsoft website to download the latest Windows 11 ISO image.

1. Navigate to https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

2. Scroll down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”

3. Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) and click Download

4. Choose your language and confirm

5. Click the 64-bit Download button to start the download

Part 1: Installing Windows 11 on VirtualBox

Step 1: Install Oracle VirtualBox and Extension Pack

1. Download VirtualBox from https://www.virtualbox.org

2. Install the application by following the installation wizard

3. Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack for support of USB 3.0 and other features

4. Open VirtualBox, go to File > Preferences > Extensions, and add the Extension Pack

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New

2. Enter a name like Windows 11 VM

3. Select Microsoft Windows as the type and Windows 11 (64-bit) as the version

4. Click Next

Step 3: Allocate RAM and CPU

• Allocate at least 4096 MB of RAM

• Click Next, then enable the option for Create a virtual hard disk now

• Click Create

Step 4: Configure Virtual Hard Disk

1. Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click Next

2. Select Dynamically allocated

3. Allocate a minimum of 64 GB, preferably 100 GB, for the virtual hard drive

4. Click Create

Step 5: Mount Windows 11 ISO

1. Select the VM and click Settings

2. Go to System > Processor tab and allocate 2 or more CPUs

3. Enable PAE/NX and VT-x/AMD-V in Acceleration tab

4. Navigate to Storage, click the empty CD/DVD icon, and click the disk icon to choose a virtual optical disk

5. Select the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file

Step 6: Modify VM Settings for Compatibility

1. Under System > Motherboard, uncheck Floppy

2. Ensure EFI is enabled to simulate UEFI boot

3. Go to Display > Screen and allocate 128 MB of video memory

4. Enable 3D Acceleration

Step 7: Start the Virtual Machine and Begin Installation

1. Click Start

2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 11

3. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences

4. Click Install Now

5. Enter a product key or click I don’t have a product key

6. Select the Windows 11 edition you wish to install

7. Accept license terms

8. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

9. Select the unallocated virtual hard drive and click Next

Step 8: Complete Windows 11 Setup

1. Wait for the installation to complete

2. Set up your region, keyboard, and preferences

3. Choose to set up for personal use or work/school

4. Sign in with a Microsoft account or create an offline account

5. Adjust privacy settings as needed

Part 2: Installing Windows 11 on VMware Workstation Player

Step 1: Download and Install VMware Workstation Player

1. Visit https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-player.html

2. Download the version suitable for your OS

3. Install using the guided wizard

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Launch VMware Workstation Player

2. Click Create a New Virtual Machine

3. Choose Installer disc image file (iso) and browse for your Windows 11 ISO

4. Click Next

Step 3: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

1. Select Microsoft Windows and version Windows 10 and later x64

2. Name your VM (e.g., Windows 11 VM) and set location

3. Allocate a minimum of 64 GB of disk space

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

5. Click Next > Finish

Step 4: Customize VM Hardware Settings

1. Before starting the VM, click Edit virtual machine settings

2. Increase RAM to at least 4096 MB

3. Allocate 2 or more processors

4. Go to Options > Advanced > Enable UEFI boot

5. Ensure 3D Graphics acceleration is enabled

6. Under Processors, enable Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine

1. Click Play virtual machine

2. Begin the installation following the Windows 11 setup wizard

3. Proceed with language, region, keyboard, and account setup

Bypassing TPM and Secure Boot Requirements

Many virtual machines lack TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, causing errors during installation. Follow these methods to bypass the restrictions:

Method 1: Registry Modification

1. When the "This PC can't run Windows 11" error appears, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt

2. Type regedit and press Enter

3. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
   

4. Right-click Setup, select New > Key, and name it LabConfig

5. Inside LabConfig, create new DWORD (32-bit) values:

   • BypassTPMCheck = 1

   • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1

   • BypassRAMCheck = 1

6. Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt

7. Click the back button and reattempt installation

Method 2: Use Modified ISO (Optional)

Some users create a customized Windows 11 ISO that removes TPM and Secure Boot checks via deployment tools like NTLite or Rufus. This method is advanced and not recommended for beginners.

Post-Installation: Optimize the Virtual Machine

1. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions or VMware Tools

• These packages improve performance, resolution scaling, and clipboard sharing

• In VirtualBox: Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image

• In VMware: Player > Manage > Install VMware Tools

2. Enable Clipboard Sharing and Drag & Drop

• In VirtualBox: Go to Settings > General > Advanced, set Shared Clipboard and Drag’n’Drop to Bidirectional

• In VMware: Edit VM settings > Options > Guest Isolation > Enable drag and drop and copy/paste

3. Update Windows 11 and Install Drivers

• Launch Settings > Windows Update

• Install all pending updates

• Ensure that VM-specific drivers (display, audio, input) are properly installed

Troubleshooting Common Errors

Black Screen on Boot

• Increase video memory

• Ensure 3D acceleration is enabled

• Update Guest Additions or VMware Tools

TPM or Secure Boot Errors

• Confirm registry edits were applied correctly

• Use Windows 11 ISO with bypassed requirements

Slow Performance

• Increase allocated RAM and CPU

• Enable hardware virtualization in BIOS

• Use SSD storage for hosting VM files

Benefits of Running Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine

• Isolated Testing: Safely test apps, settings, and updates without harming your main OS

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Run Windows 11 on macOS or Linux

• Snapshot Features: Restore to previous states in case of critical failures

• Training and Development: Practice administrative tasks or develop Windows-based applications 

Setting up Windows 11 on a virtual machine using VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player is a powerful way to explore the OS without the risks of dual-booting or hardware installations. With careful configuration and proper optimization, your virtual Windows 11 environment can provide a seamless, high-performance experience rivaling that of native installations. Follow this guide thoroughly, and you’ll enjoy the full functionality of Windows 11 in a secure, flexible, and efficient virtualized setup.