Windows mode problems

Windows mode says what went wrong in plain words and, where it can, offers a button to fix it. Here’s what each message means.

Virtualisation is switched off

Windows mode needs the processor’s virtualisation feature, which some PCs ship with switched off.

Choose Restart to firmware settings in Windows mode, or restart and press the firmware key as the PC starts (often F2, Del or F10).
Look for a setting called Intel Virtualization Technology, VT-x, AMD-V or SVM Mode, usually under Advanced, CPU configuration or Security.
Switch it on, save and restart.
Open Windows mode again.

If it says This PC’s processor can’t run Windows mode, the processor doesn’t have the feature at all.

Not enough space

Windows mode needs about 26 GB free, or about 30 GB with Microsoft 365. Choose Open storage to see what’s using your disk. Clearing Downloads and emptying the Recycle Bin usually frees the most.

This PC doesn’t have enough memory

Windows mode needs 8 GB of memory or more. It can’t be set up on a PC with less.

Download paused

The internet connection dropped. Setup carries on from where it stopped as soon as you’re back online. On a metered connection, choose Wait for Wi-Fi, or Try again to carry on now.

Microsoft didn’t allow the download from here

Microsoft sometimes refuses downloads from VPNs and some networks. Turn off your VPN, or try from another network, then Try again.

The download didn’t match Microsoft’s signature

The file was damaged on the way, twice, so Windows mode deleted it rather than use it. Try again later, or from another network.

Setup couldn’t finish

Nothing was left half installed. Choose Try again and setup carries on from the step it stopped at.

Windows didn’t finish installing: try again, and if it happens twice, restart the PC first.
Microsoft 365 didn’t install: Windows mode works without it. Add it later from Settings.
This licence is for Windows 11 Home: Windows mode needs Pro. See Windows licences.

A Windows program won’t open

It says	What to do
Windows mode didn’t answer	Restart the PC, then try again.
Windows mode couldn’t sign in to Windows	Restart the PC, then try again.
Windows mode’s background service didn’t start	Restart the PC, then try again.
Windows apps can only open files in your shared folders	Move the file to Documents, then open it again. See your files.

If restarting doesn’t fix it, open Settings > Windows apps > Windows mode > Troubleshooting, then open the Windows desktop to see what Windows itself is showing. Then tell us what you saw.