How to install Windows 10X emulator on Windows 10
If you’re a developer or enthusiast wanting to try out Windows 10X, in this guide, we’ll show you the steps to get started.
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Microsoft has released its first preview of the emulator forWindows 10X, the new version of Windows 10 designed for dual-screen and foldable devices that removes the legacy components. It then introduces a new streamlined, consistent, and lightweight experience.
The new emulator is available for developers, but anyone can download it to get a sneak peek at some of the work that Microsoft has been making for the modern version ofWindows 10.
Zac Bowden, senior Windows reporter, published awalkthrough videodemonstrating many of the new features, including the new Start menu and taskbar, along with parts of the new interface, and how apps work in dual-screen mode. However, if you’re a developer or an enthusiast, you can test Windows 10X on your device using the Microsoft Emulator on Windows 10. That is, of course, if your device meets the minimum requirements.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to try out the Windows 10X using the emulator for developers.
Windows 10X emulator requirements
Although the Windows 10X emulator is available for anyone, there are some requirements to install and use the image.
Software requirements
These are the software requirements to run Windows 10X:
Hardware requirements
These are the minimum hardware requirements:
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The emulator is only supported on Intel processors. If you have a device using an AMD processor, it’s not going to work.
Also, in addition to virtualization support, you have to make sure that hardware-assisted virtualization, Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), and Hardware-based Data Execution Prevention (DEP) are enabled on the motherboard’s Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).
If you already know that your device meets the requirements, you can skip the steps, and follow the instructions to install the Microsoft Emulator and the Windows 10X Emulator image.
How to install Windows 10X emulator on Windows 10
To install Windows 10X on your device, you must be running the latest Insider preview of Windows 10, and you need to enable the Hyper-V virtualization feature.
Installing Windows 10 preview
The Windows 10X emulator uses technology currently on development; as such, you must install the latest preview build from the Fast ring.
Important:After the upgrade process, you may not be able to rollback, and the installation could also fail. It’s recommended to use a spare computer orcreate a full backupbefore proceeding.
To install the latest Windows 10 preview build, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the latest preview build available in the Fast ring will install on your computer, enabling you to install the Windows 10X Emulator Image from the Microsoft Store.
Enabling Microsoft Hyper-V component
Hyper-V is a virtualization technology available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education, and it allows you to create virtual machines to install and run different OSes on the same physical hardware. However, it’s also the technology that enables you to run the Windows 10X emulator.
Checking Hyper-V support
To confirm that your computer has the required Hyper-V support, use these steps:
If the command displaysNounder Hyper-V Requirements, then your hardware doesn’t support this feature, or you need to make sure to enable it manually.
The emulator also requires at least a four-core processor. Although most modern devices will meet the minimum requirements, you can determine if you have enough cores from the Task Manager using theCtrl + Shift + ESCkeyboard shortcut and clicking thePerformancetab.
Enabling Hyper-V support
To enable Hyper-V on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you can proceed with the steps to download and install the Microsoft Emulator and Windows 10X testing image.
Installing Microsoft Emulator
To install the Microsoft Emulator on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the emulator will install on your computer, and the only thing left to do is to download the Windows 10X emulator image.
Installing Windows 10X Emulator image
To install the Windows 10X Emulator image, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the Windows 10X testing image will install on your computer, and the Microsoft Emulator will detect it automatically.
Starting Windows 10X Emulator
To get started with the Windows 10X Emulator, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the emulator will launch, and you can start testing the progress that Microsoft has been making on Windows 10X.
If things aren’t working correctly, you can also click theEditbutton from the Microsoft Emulator app, and then you’ll find the options to reset the “Diff Disk and Checkpoint” to start a clean boot with the emulator. You can also adjust the memory usage and disable the GPU if necessary.
If you want to learn more about Windows 10X, you can check theMicrosoft documentation.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
