> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dozza.gitbook.io/pulsechain_node_guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dozza.gitbook.io/pulsechain_node_guide/part-1-prepare-the-windows-host.md).

# Part 1 — Prepare the Windows host

## 1.1 Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro (required for Hyper-V)

Hyper-V is only available on Windows Pro and above. On Home, either upgrade or use VMware Workstation / VirtualBox instead. To upgrade in place (keeps all files and apps):

1. **Settings → System → Activation**
2. Expand `Upgrade your edition of Windows` → `Open Store` → buy Windows 11 Pro.
3. The upgrade applies and reboots automatically (\~10 minutes).
4. Verify: Activation should read `Windows 11 Pro`, activated with a digital licence.

## 1.2 Enable Hyper-V

1. Start → `Turn Windows features on or off` → tick **Hyper-V** (both sub-items) → OK → reboot.
2. If Hyper-V is greyed out, enable virtualisation in BIOS: reboot into BIOS (often `Del`), enable **Intel VT-x** and **VT-d**.
3. Confirm `Hyper-V Manager` opens from the Start menu.

## 1.3 Install the NVMe and confirm it in Windows

Fit the NVMe in a spare M.2 slot (use a standoff at the 2280 position). Boot Windows, then in `Disk Management`: initialise the disk as **GPT**. You do not need to format it — Ubuntu will repartition it. Note its size (e.g. \~3.6 TB usable for a 4 TB drive) to identify it later.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://dozza.gitbook.io/pulsechain_node_guide/part-1-prepare-the-windows-host.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.