Hyper-V

Hyper-V is a Windows optional feature that enables virtual machine creation on the build machine. OSDeploy uses it to test WinPE boot images locally without physical hardware.

Property	Value
Publisher	Microsoft
Feature name	Microsoft-Hyper-V-All
Architecture	amd64 / arm64
Platform	Windows 11
Required by	New-OSDeployHyperVM

Install Hyper-V in Windows and Windows ServerMicrosoftLearn

Overview

Hyper-V is included in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions but is not enabled by default. Enabling it allows New-OSDeployHyperVM to create a virtual machine that boots from a WinPE image built by OSDeploy, making it possible to validate boot images and test OSDCloud deployments entirely on the build machine. A system restart is required after enabling Hyper-V before it is operational.

Why OSDeploy Uses Hyper-V

• New-OSDeployHyperVM creates a test VM that boots from a WinPE boot image built by OSDeploy

• Enables local validation of boot images before deploying to physical devices

• Eliminates the need for physical test hardware during development and testing

• Required only for VM-based testing — not needed for boot image creation or OSDCloud deployments

A system restart is required after enabling Hyper-V before virtual machines can be created or started. Save all work and plan for a restart before enabling.

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Enable with OSDeploy

The OSDeploy module enables the Hyper-V Windows optional feature using Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature. Administrator rights are required.

Preview (no changes made):

Install-OSDeploySoftware -Name 'hyperv'

Enable Hyper-V:

Install-OSDeploySoftware -Name 'hyperv' -Force

-DownloadOnly is not supported for feature-based components. -Force is required to make any change.

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Enable Manually

Enable Hyper-V from PowerShell or via the Windows Features dialog.

PowerShell (requires Administrator):

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName 'Microsoft-Hyper-V-All' -All -NoRestart

Windows Features dialog:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.

2. Expand Hyper-V and ensure all sub-items are checked.

3. Click OK and restart when prompted.

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Related

• Enable Hyper-V on Windows

• Install-OSDeploySoftware

• New-OSDeployHyperVM