If you’re encountering the frustrating “Hypervisor Blue Screen of Death” on your Windows 10 or 11 system, this guide will help you resolve the issue swiftly. The Hyper-V feature, essential for running virtual machines, can sometimes lead to crashes if not configured correctly. Fortunately, the solution involves checking your BIOS settings, running a specific command, and restarting your system to lock in the changes. By following these steps, you’ll restore stability to your virtual environment and prevent future crashes.

Before proceeding, ensure you are using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro edition, as Hyper-V is not available in Home editions. Additionally, you should have administrative privileges on your computer to execute the necessary commands.

Step 1: Verify Virtualization Settings in BIOS

The first step to resolving the blue screen error is to ensure that virtualization is enabled in your BIOS or UEFI settings. This is crucial, as the Hyper-V feature relies on virtualization technology. Here’s how to check:

  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. This is typically done by pressing a key such as F2, Delete, or Esc during the boot process (the exact key may vary by manufacturer).
  • Once in BIOS, look for settings related to Virtualization Technology. This may be listed as Intel VT-x or AMD-V, depending on your CPU.
  • Ensure that virtualization is enabled; if it’s disabled, change the setting to Enabled.
  • Save your changes and exit BIOS, allowing your computer to restart.

Step 2: Run the Hyper-V Reset Command

After confirming that virtualization is enabled, the next step is to execute a command that will reset Hyper-V configurations. Follow these instructions:

  • Open the Start Menu and type cmd in the search bar.
  • When the Command Prompt appears in the search results, right-click it and select Run as administrator. You may need to confirm a User Account Control prompt by clicking Yes.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set hypervisor launch type auto

This command configures the hypervisor to launch automatically. You should see a message indicating that the operation was successful.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

The final step is to restart your computer to apply the changes made in the previous steps. Here’s how to do it:

  • Click on the Start Menu and select Shut Down or Restart.
  • Wait for your system to boot back up and give it a minute to settle.
  • Once restarted, test your virtual machines to ensure that the blue screen error is resolved.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Here are some additional tips and common troubleshooting points to consider:

  • If the blue screen persists, double-check that virtualization is still enabled in your BIOS settings.
  • Make sure your system’s firmware is up to date, as outdated BIOS versions can cause compatibility issues.
  • If you have recently upgraded your hardware or operating system, ensure that all components are correctly configured and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find the virtualization setting in my BIOS?

If you can’t locate the virtualization setting, consult your motherboard’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions. Each BIOS interface can differ significantly.

Can I use Hyper-V on Windows 10 Home edition?

Hyper-V is only available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you are using Windows 10 Home, you will need to upgrade to a Pro edition to use Hyper-V.

What should I do if the command doesn’t work?

If you encounter an error when running the command, ensure you are running the Command Prompt as an administrator and that you typed the command correctly. Also, verify that your system supports Hyper-V.