Impossible to activate Virtual Machine Platform on Omen max 16

[Firelemure]

Hi,

I'm desesperated : I purchased a HP Omen Max 16 to develop applications, and I absolutely need to activate the Virtual Machine Platform and WSL to use Ubuntu/Linux and use Docker to create images.

I have virtualization activited in BIOS, I have HyperV activated, but it is totally impossible to active Virtual Machine Platform. It says it starts download, but freezes. I tried to make a WSL install, but blocks at 37.8% (seems i'm not the only one to have this problem with HP).

I spend more than 2000eur for this laptop, that I cannot use at all. 

Does anyone have a solution ? 

thank you!

[Firelemure]

I have Windows 11 Family. Could it be linked to the fact it is not Windows 11 PRO ?

HP, is it possible to do the 150€ upgrade from family to Pro proposed by Microsoft in the MS Store ? 

EDIT : I tested on a PC with a Family edition, and there is no problem to activate HyperV, Virtual Machine Platform and Linux subsystem. 

What did you do HP ???!!!!

[Garp_senchau]

@Firelemure, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

I’m really sorry you’re stuck. I know how crushing it is to buy an OMEN Max 16 for development and then not be able to run WSL/VMs. Let’s get this moving.

A few important facts up front (so expectations are clear)

• WSL2 and the Windows “Virtual Machine Platform” feature do work on Windows 11 Home  you do not strictly need Windows 11 Pro to run WSL2. (Hyper-V full role is a different feature and is normally only on Pro/Enterprise, but that’s not required for WSL2.)
• That means this is most likely a system/Windows configuration, driver, or BIOS issue on your specific laptop  not a hard limit of Windows edition. 

Below are step-by-step things you can try right now (please run as Administrator where noted).

1) Check basics (BIOS & Windows build)

1. Make sure Virtualization / VT-x / SVM is enabled in BIOS (you said it is, but double-check).
2. Make note of your Windows 11 build (Settings → System → About → OS build). Share it privately if you want me to check for known issues.
3. Make note of your OMEN product number (printed on the bottom or in BIOS). Share it privately so we can check firmware updates.

2) Repair Windows components and update

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then run Windows Update (Settings → Windows Update) and install all updates and optional driver updates. Reboot.

3) Try enabling features manually (DISM / PowerShell)

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Restart-Computer

If you prefer PowerShell cmdlets:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -NoRestart

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux -NoRestart

Restart-Computer

After restart try:

wsl --set-default-version 2

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

If dism or Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature hangs or reports errors, copy the error text and share it (privately if needed).

4) If WSL install freezes at a percentage (like 37.8%)

These steps tend to fix the “stuck download/install” symptoms:

A. Reset Windows Update cache:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

Rename-Item -Path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution -NewName SoftwareDistribution.old

net start bits

net start wuauserv

Then try the dism / wsl --install steps again.

B. Ensure Windows Update services are running, and disable any third-party VPN or firewall during the install.

C. Check Event Viewer (Windows Logs → Application/System) around the time of the failure for any service or driver errors copy any error codes.

If nothing works please share (privately)

If the above doesn’t fix it, please send me privately:

• Your OMEN Max 16 product number and serial number (e.g. on the underside label)
• The Windows 11 OS build (Settings → System → About → OS build)
• Exact error messages (or screenshots) and the point where WSL/VM Platform stalls (e.g. “stalls at 37.8% during feature install”)
• Any recent BIOS or major Windows updates you installed before the issue started

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

[Garp_senchau]

@Firelemure, Let me know how it goes after following the above steps.

[Firelemure]

thank you for the answers. 

I think i already tried 1 and 2, but I'm not sure I did all! 

as the anwser is very detailled, I'll check again from start. I'll tell you tonight !

[Firelemure]

unfortunately, after all steps, same result.

Stuck at 14.9 or 37.8% as here : VirtualMachinePlatform enable progress gets stuck at 14.6% or 37.6% every time and just can't be ena...

or 

having trouble enabling virtual machine platform on win11 : r/VFIO

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @Firelemure, 

Thanks for reaching out! Since the issue remains unresolved, I suggest contacting our phone/chat support team for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help and may even be able to work their remote assistance magic to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

Regards,