---
name: "podman-system-hyperv-prep"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "podman"
version: "6.1.4-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/podman-system-hyperv-prep"
---

# podman-system-hyperv-prep(1)

A Windows administrator command to prepare a host that is going to run Hyper-V based Podman machines

## NAME

podman-system-hyperv-prep - A Windows administrator command to prepare a host that is going to run Hyper-V based Podman machines

## SYNOPSIS

**podman system hyperv-prep** \[*options*\]

## DESCRIPTION

Prepare a Windows host to run Hyper-V based Podman machines by creating the required registry entries in HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE for Hyper-V VSock communication and adding the current user to the Hyper-V Administrators group.

The registry entries are marked to persist even when all machines are removed, and the group membership allows the user to manage Hyper-V virtual machines. Together, these avoid the need for administrator privileges during normal machine operations.

This command requires administrator privileges and is only available on Windows. The **--status** option can be used without administrator privileges.

## OPTIONS

### --mounts=*number*

Number of VSock entries for mount purpose. Every mounted host folder of a running machine needs a dedicated VSock. There should be enough VSock to satisfy the needs of running Podman machines on the host. The default is **2**.

### --force, -f

Skip confirmation prompts during reset. Only valid with **--reset**.

### --reset

Remove all Podman VSock registry entries and remove the current user from the Hyper-V Administrators group. Prompts for confirmation before each action unless **--force** is specified.

### --status

Show the list of VSock registry entries and the current user's Hyper-V Administrators group membership status.

## EXAMPLE

Create the required registry entries and add the current user to the Hyper-V Administrators group:

```
podman system hyperv-prep
```

Show existing registry entries and group membership status:

```
podman system hyperv-prep --status
```

Remove all Podman VSock registry entries and the current user from the Hyper-V Administrators group (with confirmation prompts):

```
podman system hyperv-prep --reset
```

Reset without confirmation prompts:

```
podman system hyperv-prep --reset --force
```

## SEE ALSO

**[podman(1)](/podman/1.md)**, **[podman-system(1)](/podman-system/1.md)**

## HISTORY

April 2026