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For Windows PCs, the two alternatives to VirtualBox supported by the current documentation here are Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware Workstation. Hyper-V is a fit if you have Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise and compatible hardware. VMware Workstation is a separate desktop hypervisor and supports Windows 11 guests, including virtual TPM and UEFI Secure Boot. Your Windows edition, hardware, guest requirements, and VMware’s current license terms should guide the choice.
Which VirtualBox alternative should you choose?
| Option | Best fit | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Hyper-V | Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise users who want a Windows-integrated hypervisor | Check processor, firmware, and memory requirements; the documented client feature is not for Windows Home. |
| VMware Workstation | Users seeking a standalone desktop hypervisor, including those who need Windows 11 guest features | Review the current FAQ and license terms for your exact release and use; Broadcom documentation contains conflicting licensing language. |
Neither option can be called faster or more reliable than VirtualBox on the evidence available here; no comparative performance testing is established. Choose based on compatibility and licensing rather than an assumed speed advantage.
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Microsoft Hyper-V: requirements and trade-offs
Microsoft documents the Windows client Hyper-V feature for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Professional or Enterprise. It is therefore a natural first option if your PC already runs an eligible edition. Microsoft’s requirements are listed at Hyper-V hardware requirements.
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- A 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and VM Monitor Mode extensions.
- Hardware virtualization enabled in BIOS or UEFI.
- Hardware-enforced Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
- At least 4 GB of memory as a baseline; the host and all running virtual machines need enough memory, so this is not a comfortable target for multiple guests.
To check readiness, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run Systeminfo.exe. Review the Hyper-V Requirements section in its output. If requirements are missing, confirm the processor and firmware settings before attempting to enable the feature.
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ACEMAGIC K1 Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7330U 16GB 256 SSD 4 Cores 8 Threads 4.3GHz
- [AMD Ryzen 3 Pro 7330U, which is more powerful than the N150/3500U] - ACEMAGIC Mini PC is powered by Latest Processor AMD Ryzen 7330U(4Cores/8Threads, BASE 2.3GHz, MAX TO 4.3GHz) , delivers more than 28% higher performance than N150(Reference from PassMark). Performance at least +40%, GPU at least +23% compared with the previous CPU - N95/N100/3300U. Remarkably power-efficient at 28W, it outperforms its predecessors, even rivaling some mainstream mobile processors from the past
- [K1 Mini Computer - Meet Your Second PC] - Next-Gen Light Office Mini PC comes pre-installed with the Win11 Pro system, which is intelligent, secure, and efficient. Versatile Connectivity: 10M/100M/1000M RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port *1, USB3.2 Type-A Port*6, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C (10Gbps Data Transfer+DP1.4)×1, HDMI 2.0*1, DP 1.4*1, DC IN ×1, 3.5mm Audio Jack*1. All-New Built-in Power Supply devise Only one cable is needed for power supply, no external adapter is required, keep the desktop neat and clean. Whether it’s for business, family entertainment, school, research, or social media, this mini PC has your needs covered!
- [Large Storage Capacity, Easy Expansion] - Mini Computer K1 is equipped with a 16GB LPDDR4 3200MT/S (non‑expandable memory) and a 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, which allows the small PC to run several high performance operations simultaneously. The LPDDR4 memory delivers faster data transfer speeds for snappier multitasking and responsive performance. The Ryzen micro desktop offers fast data reading, writing, and storage capabilities, ensuring smooth application running. If you want more storage space, you can also add M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD or M.2 SATA SSD to expand storage up to 2TB. This means you can easily store and access a large amount of files, media, and data
- [Sleek Chassis & High efficiency cooling system] - The portable mini pc features a Silver-toned Body and can be stored in a bag and carried with you at any time, ideal for business trips. Save space by super mini size(5x5x1.6 inch) and a VESA mount to install it on wall or monitors. Advanced Axial Fan & Internal Cooling Technology are practically silent at light load and even under load, the fans remain fairly quiet. Minimal or inaudible fan noise is perfect for concentrating on the task at hand!
- [WiFi 5&Bluetooth 4.2-Simply Compatible]- ACE Win11 Small PC have reliable and stable wireless connection, opening websites in seconds, watching movies without buffering and downloading files smoothly. Built-in Bluetooth enables you to connect multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboard, headset, monitoring equipment, printer, monitor, TV and so on. High-speed wireless connection technology, reliable and efficient transmission speed, providing a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming
VMware Workstation: guest support and licensing
VMware’s desktop hypervisor FAQ says Workstation supports Windows 11 guests, and that Workstation and Fusion support virtual TPM and UEFI Secure Boot. See the VMware Fusion and Workstation desktop hypervisor FAQ for current product details. The FAQ describes free-user support as community forums, knowledge-base material, and self-service resources—not entitlement to Broadcom Global Support.
The same FAQ says: “The latest versions of VMware Fusion and Workstation now include the license automatically.” It also says users do not need to select a usage type or enter a key and may use the software freely for all purposes. However, Broadcom’s separate Knowledge Base article 90112 retains older, conflicting statements about paid commercial use and free personal use from May 6, 2024. Because those statements do not align with the current FAQ, check the terms attached to your exact Workstation release and intended use rather than treating either legacy wording as definitive.
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KAMRUI Pinova P2 Mini PC 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, AMD Ryzen 4300U(Beats 5400U/3500U/N95,Up to 3.7GHz,4C/8T) Mini Computers,Triple 4K Display/HDMI+DP+Type-C/WiFi/BT for Home/Business Mini Desktop Computers
- 【AMD Ryzen 4300U True 4-Core CPU: Outperforms N95 & i3-10110U】KAMRUI P2 Mini PC is equipped with true 4-core AMD Ryzen 4300U processor built on advanced 7nm Zen2 architecture，This means you get consistent, unthrottled performance for hours on end, whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, streaming 4K content, or managing virtual machines. Compare that to Intel N95 (4 efficiency cores that throttle under load) or Intel i3-10110U (only 2 cores total), and the difference is night and day: The KAMRUI P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U (28W) is 40% faster than the Intel i3-10110U and 25% faster than the Intel N95 in multi-core tasks, ensuring smooth, lag-free performance even during heavy workloads.
- 【Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics: 2.5X Stronger for Tri 4K】The KAMRUI P2 AMD 4300U Mini PC have unlocked the full potential of the built-in AMD Radeon Vega 5 graphics with 28W power delivery, making it 2.5 times stronger than the Intel UHD graphics found in the N95 and i3-10110U. This means you can enjoy Tri 4K@60Hz displays without a single stutter, perfect for productivity setups, home theaters, or even light photo/video editing and casual gaming. While the Intel N95/i3-10110U struggle to run a single 4K display without lag, The KAMRUI AMD 4300U Mini PC handles Tri 4K effortlessly, turning your workspace into a high-efficiency hub or your living room into a premium entertainment center.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Easy Expansion】KAMRUI Pinova P2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB LPDDR4 for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 512GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup, fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness. the two storage slots (1x M.2 2280 SATA/NVMe PCIe3.0 slot, 1x M.2 2280 SATA slot) can be combined to provide up to 4TB of total storage(Not included). This gives you enough space for all your projects, media and data.
- 【4K Triple Display】KAMRUI Pinova P2 4300U mini desktop computers is equipped with HDMI2.0 ×1 +DP1.4 ×1+USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C ×1 interfaces for faster transmission, Triple 4K@60Hz Display, KAMRUI P2 mini computer is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port ×2 with a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps (21 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. Ideal for seamless multitasking between spreadsheets, browsers and presentations, or for an immersive entertainment experience.
- 【USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C 10Gbps, Versatile connectivity】KAMRUI P2 mini desktop pc fast and versatile connectivity! The USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C port offers a data transfer rate of 10Gbps and simultaneously supports DisplayPort 1.4 video output. The P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U Mini PC is complemented by Gigabit LAN, WiFi and Bluetooth, so nothing stands in the way of a productive working environment.
Can you run Windows 11 in a virtual machine?
Yes, provided the virtual machine and host meet Microsoft’s requirements. Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications and system requirements list these VM minimums:
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- A Generation 2 VM.
- At least 64 GB of virtual storage.
- At least 4 GB of VM memory and two or more virtual processors.
- Secure Boot capability and virtual TPM; for Hyper-V, enable Secure Boot and add a virtual TPM.
- A host processor that meets Windows 11 processor requirements.
These are guest minimums, not a recommended host configuration. Actual host storage and memory needs rise with the number of VMs, snapshots, and installed applications.
Quick Recap
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HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini Tiny Business PC, Intel Hexa-Core i5-8500T up to 3.5GHz, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Dual Monitor Support, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, DisplayPort, Windows 11 64-bit (Renewed)
- Powerful Performance: Intel Core i5 Hexa Core processor for reliable multitasking and smooth computing.
- Fast & Efficient: 16GB DDR4 RAM and 250GB SSD for quick startup and performance.
- Windows 11 Pro: Modern operating system with professional-grade tools and enhanced security.
- Compact Design: Space-saving mini chassis fits neatly on or under your desk.
- Renewed Quality: Professionally tested and renewed to perform like new; may show minor cosmetic wear.
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GMKtec G3S Mini PC Computers Intel N95 Processor (Turbo 3.4GHz)
- 12th INTEL ALDER LAKE N95 PROCESSOR - The G3S mini pc uses the 12th Intel N95 CPU 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, burst speed up to 3.4GHz. Compared with (N100/N5105/N5100/N5095), the N95 offers an overall performance improvement of 36%. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc
- 8GB RAM MEMORY & 256GB SSD STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3S mini pc is prebuilt with 8GB DDR4 RAM, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 256GB M.2 2242 SSD Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox G3 Plus mini computer is equipped with USB 3.2, up to 10Gbps/S, HDMI(4K@60Hz)×2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 5, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 1000MbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays
- WiFi5 & BT5.0 - Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 enables you to connect multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboard, monitoring equipment, printer and monitor. High-speed wireless connection technology, reliable and efficient transmission speed, providing a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming. Small pc supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake and Auto Power On, ideal to use as a server
How to enable virtualization on Windows
- Check whether it is already enabled. Run
Systeminfo.exeand inspect the Hyper-V requirements section if you are evaluating Hyper-V. - Enter UEFI if hardware virtualization is disabled. Use the Windows-to-UEFI instructions in Microsoft’s guide to enabling virtualization on Windows. The firmware route and setting label vary by PC manufacturer.
- Enable the relevant Windows feature where applicable. Microsoft’s guide also covers enabling Virtual Machine Platform through Windows Features. Follow the steps for your Windows version and use case rather than changing unrelated firmware settings.
A practical decision checklist
- Check your Windows edition: Hyper-V’s documented Windows client eligibility is Pro or Enterprise, not Home.
- Check hardware readiness: Confirm SLAT, VM Monitor Mode extensions, virtualization in firmware, DEP, and adequate memory before relying on Hyper-V.
- Plan for the guest: Windows 11 requires a Generation 2 VM, Secure Boot capability, virtual TPM, at least 64 GB virtual storage, at least 4 GB memory, two or more virtual processors, and a compatible host processor.
- Check support expectations: VMware’s FAQ describes self-service and community resources for free users rather than Broadcom Global Support.
- Confirm licensing: For VMware Workstation, consult the current FAQ and the license for your release and use, especially in a business setting given the conflicting Broadcom wording.
- Allow for real storage needs: The 64 GB figure is the Windows 11 VM minimum, not a complete estimate for multiple guests, snapshots, and applications.
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