How to install Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine(VM)
Step-by-Step Guide: Create a Virtual Machine with TPM on VMware Workstation and install Windows 11
Creating a virtual machine (VM) is one of the best ways to test, practice, and explore enterprise IT concepts without affecting your production environment. VMware Workstation Pro allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, making it ideal for labs, training, and experimentation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through creating a virtual machine with TPM support and installing Windows 11 step by step. We’ll cover system requirements, editions, and the installation process.
If you’d like to watch a step‑by‑step walkthrough of Windows server 2022 or Ubuntu server, please visit our post-
1. Windows 11 and Minimum System Requirements
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest desktop operating system, released in October 2021. It introduces a modern interface with a centered Start Menu, redesigned taskbar, improved window management, enhanced security. It’s designed for productivity, collaboration, and hybrid work environments. You can download windows 11 ISO from here or this link by filling your details.
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11 –
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64‑bit compatible
- RAM: 4 GB – 8 GB
- Storage: 70 GB – 100 GB
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Note: VMware Workstation allows you to emulate TPM 2.0, so you can install Windows 11 even if your physical machine doesn’t have it.
Windows 11 Editions –
Windows 11 comes in several editions. Most common editions:
| Edition | Best For | Key Features |
| Home | Personal use | Simplified interface, Microsoft Store apps, gaming features |
| Pro | Professionals & IT labs | BitLocker, Hyper‑V, Group Policy, Remote Desktop |
| Enterprise | Large organizations | Advanced security, Windows Defender Credential Guard, AppLocker |
| Education | Schools & students | Similar to Enterprise, tailored licensing |
2. Download and Install VMware Workstation Pro.
You can create a single VM or a virtual test lab for practice using VMware Workstation. The Pro version is available for free on the Broadcom website. You can download it here by signing in or creating an account.
- Download the VMware Workstation setup
- Run the setup and follow the installation wizard.
- Restart your system if prompted.
- Open VMware Workstation – Edit menu – Virtual Network Editor and do the Network settings as per requirement.
- Use Bridged to connect VM to system’s physical network adapter directly or allow internet traffic.
- Or use Host-only to connect VMs and Host system internally in private network.
We’re now ready to create a VM for Windows 11 installation. If you’d like to watch a step‑by‑step walkthrough of these steps, please visit our YouTube Video.
2. Create a New Virtual Machine with TPM for Windows 11
On VMware Workstation, you can create virtual machines for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux/Ubuntu, macOS, and even VMware ESXi. In this guide, we’ll focus on creating a VM for Windows 11.
Steps:-
- Open VMware Workstation → Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
- Choose Typical (recommended) or Custom (for advanced configuration).
- Select Installer disc image (ISO) → Browse and select the Windows 11 ISO (Or you can select later in VM settings).
- Put the Virtual Machine Name. (this is not computer name/hostname).
- As we selected Win 11 ISO, it will ask you to create a VM file encryption password, which functions as the TPM. Enter the password, confirm it. Keep it remember as it will require during VM startup.
- Configure hardware:
- Memory: 4-8 GB
- Processors: 2–8 cores
- Disk Size: 70–100 GB (single file recommended)
- Network Adapter: Use Bridge or Host-only as per requirement.
- Review settings → Click Finish.
- Open VMware Workstation → Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
The VM will be created with the specified configuration. If exiting VM or need to change anything, you can Edit Virtual Machine settings and do the required changes like select ISO, add Network adapter, change CPU or memory config, configure TPM with encryption password and more.
3. Install Windows 11 on VM which we created
We already selected the Windows 11 ISO during VM creation. If not, you can click Edit VM Settings and select the ISO under the CD/DVD device option. If the ISO is not available, you can download it directly from the Microsoft website.
- Start the above created VM.
- The VM will boot from the ISO we selected and begin installation.
- Select the Language to install and Time and currency format when prompted, then Next.
- Select Keyboard or Input method, then Next.
- Select “Install Windows 11” and check box I agree everything will be deleted…, then Next.
- Select the Windows Edition, then Next, and Accept the license terms.
- On Select location to install windows 11 prompt-
- Select Unallocated space and click Next, if you want a single partition or drive.
- If you want more than one partition or drive, Select unallocated space and click Create Partition – Put required size in MB – Apply. The partition will be created. By this way you can create more partitions on unallocated space.
- The Windows 11 will create by default two additional partition – 200 MB for system and 16 MB for MSR (Microsoft Reserved Partition).
- Select the Partition if created or Unallocated Space, then Next.
- Click Install on Ready to install prompt.
- The windows 11 installation will proceed, and system will reboot 2-3 times.
- When Prompted, Select Country or region, Keyboard layout, Add or skip second Keyboard layout.
- As we connected VM with Host-only (private network), not connected to internet. Click I don’t have internet, or you can connect to internet via bridged if required. If internet is connected, you will be prompted to login/setup your Microsoft account.
- Put your username and password/confirm password for login account.
- Windows 11 will ask for 3 security questions that will be helpful if you lost/forgot login credentials, select questions and answers as per your choice.
- Choose Privacy settings for your device like Location, Find my device, Diagnostic data, Advertising ID… as per your choice.
- Once installation Setup is completed, log in with the credentials you setup.
4. Install VMware Tools and Basic settings
VMware Tools is a lightweight utility that enhances performance and improves integration between the host and guest operating systems in VMware virtual machines.
Benefits include:
- Better display resolution
- Clipboard sharing (copy/paste between host and VM)
- Improved network and disk performance
Steps:-
- The installation begin automatically after login, If not go to VM Menu→ Install VMware Tools.
- The VMware tools setup will be mounted as CD/DVD drive, Run the setup from there.
- Follow the wizard and restart the VM when prompt.
Network Config:
- If connected to internet or using bridged network, no additional config required.
- If using host-only network, set the IPv4 address by opening network setting – ncpa.cpl
- If there is any connectivity issue, you may need to turn off the windows defender firewall setting or allow connection by adding inbound/outbound rule in advanced firewall configuration.
Computer Name:
- Setup the computer name or Hostname as per your choice.
- Open sysdm.cpl and change the computer name.
- Restart the system when prompted.
Pro Tip: Before making major changes, take a VM Snapshot. This allows you to roll back easily if something goes wrong.
We have successfully created a VM and installed Windows 11, configured with a host-only private network. This setup is now ready for lab practice and testing.
