# VirtualBox machine runs slowly on Windows

**Method 1. Disable Hyper-V & Windows hypervisor.**

Hyper-V is a hardware virtualization product built into Windows 11/10/8.1 Professional and Enterprise Editions and on Windows Server 2012 and later versions. But, when Hyper-V feature is enabled, VirtualBox VM runs very slowly and must be disabled.

1. Navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off
2.  Uncheck the following features:

·         Containers \* (see image d)

·         Hyper-V  \* (see image d)

·         Virtual Machine Platform

·         Windows Hypervisor Platform

·         Windows Sandbox

3.  Restart the computer after uninstall.
4.  Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
5.  bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off (see image e)
6. Reboot your PC.
7. After reboot, start the VirtualBox VM machine and normally the problem will be fixed. If not, proceed to the rest methods below.

<figure><img src="/files/fnq5fBNYUN7Shx9iGPvm" alt=""><figcaption><p>image d - Note: the 'Containers' and the 'Hyper-V' feature exists only in Windows 10 PRO.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/02q5BynW7AnFrsAy6avF" alt=""><figcaption><p>image e</p></figcaption></figure>

**Method 2. Remove & re-Install VirtualBox Guest Additions.**

The VirtualBox Guest Additions consist of device drivers and system applications that optimize the operating system for better performance and usability. But sometimes, especially after a Windows update of the guest machine, it needs to be reinstalled to fix performance issues.

1\. Navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall the VirtualBox Guest additions.

2\. After uninstall restart your PC.

3\. Finally proceed to install Guest Additions again and check if the problem is fixed. If not, proceed to the next step:

**Method 3. Allocate More CPU and Memory resources.**

Another cause of slow VirtualBox performance is the low resources you have allocated to the virtual machine. For example, Windows 10 needs at least 4GB of RAM to run smoothly. To allocate more CPU and Memory on the VM machine:

1\. Open VM settings and select System on the left.\
2\. At Motherboard tab, drag the slider to the right and maximize the allocated memory for the VM machine.

<figure><img src="/files/AErCUAdAhvgQJYvMeRNe" alt=""><figcaption><p>image f</p></figcaption></figure>

3. At Processor tab, drag the slider to the right and allocate more CPU's for the VM machine. (see image f)

<figure><img src="/files/iocclFr5y0G62SjbIHlA" alt=""><figcaption><p>see image g</p></figcaption></figure>

4. Also ensure that the processor's Execution Cap is set to 100%. (see image g)

**Method 4. Change Power Plan to High Performance.**

Another reason for the slow performance of VirtualBox, especially if you are using a laptop, is the power plan you use for how your device consumes and saves power. In order for VirtualBox to run smoothly and without delays, Power Plan must be set to High Performance.

1\. Navigate to Control Panel > Power Options.\
2\. Select Change Plan Settings.


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