Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If Google Play Games on PC says Turn on additional settings, Windows usually cannot start the Android virtual environment. Check virtualization in Task Manager, enable Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform, turn on Intel VT-x or AMD SVM in BIOS/UEFI if necessary, restart, and try again. This message is different from Google Play Games’ hidden Advanced Settings menu.
What the “additional settings” message means
The prompt normally appears when Google Play Games on PC cannot launch the virtualization layer required to install or run Android games. It is a Windows-and-firmware configuration problem, not a setting in the Google Play Store mobile app. The block can occur at four places: hardware virtualization in BIOS or UEFI, Windows optional features, damaged Windows components, or an administrator policy on a managed computer.
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Work through those layers in order. Start with checks that do not change firmware, then enable Windows features, then enter BIOS/UEFI only if Windows reports that virtualization is disabled. Restart after feature or firmware changes before testing Google Play Games again.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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Check whether your PC meets Google’s baseline
Google lists the following minimum baseline for Google Play Games on PC. Meeting it does not guarantee that every game will run, but falling short can prevent installation or produce misleading setup errors.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
| Requirement | Google-listed baseline | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, version 2004 | Use an up-to-date supported Windows installation; a work or school image may impose additional restrictions. |
| Storage | SSD with 10 GB available | Confirm that the system drive is an SSD and has at least 10 GB free before installation. |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 or comparable graphics | Install current graphics drivers supplied for your hardware. |
| Processor | Four physical CPU cores | Check the processor specification rather than counting logical threads alone. |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | Close heavy applications while troubleshooting so setup has available memory. |
| Account | Windows administrator account | You need permission to change Optional Features, repair Windows, and sometimes reinstall the app. |
| Virtualization | Hardware virtualization turned on | Check Task Manager first; enable firmware virtualization if it is disabled. |
Step 1: Check virtualization in Task Manager
- Press
Ctrl+Shift+Escto open Task Manager. - If the compact view appears, select More details.
- Open the Performance tab and select CPU.
- Read the Virtualization field in the CPU details.
If it says Enabled, the processor is exposing virtualization to Windows. Continue to the Optional Features step. If it says Disabled, Windows cannot use the feature until you enable it in BIOS/UEFI. If the field is missing or the page does not match these labels, update Windows and check the firmware documentation for your specific computer.
Step 2: Enable Windows virtualization features
Google Play Games may need Windows’ virtualization components even when firmware virtualization is already enabled. These are built-in Windows features, not separate downloads.
- Press
Windows+Rto open the Run dialog. - Enter
optionalfeaturesand pressEnter. - In Windows Features, locate Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform.
- Tick each feature that is available but unchecked. Do not treat a missing feature as proof that the hardware is faulty; edition, policy, or an incomplete Windows installation can hide it.
- Select OK, allow Windows to install the components, and restart when prompted.
After Windows starts again, open Google Play Games and repeat the installation or launch attempt. A restart is required because the hypervisor components load during boot; closing and reopening the game alone does not apply the change.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Step 3: Turn on Intel VT-x or AMD SVM in BIOS/UEFI
When Task Manager reports disabled virtualization, enable the processor’s firmware switch. The label depends on the manufacturer.
- Save your work and shut down the PC completely.
- Turn it on and repeatedly press the firmware key shown by the manufacturer. Common keys are
Del,F2,F10, andEsc; the correct key varies by model. - Open an Advanced, Security, Processor, or similarly named section. Look for Intel Virtualization Technology or VT-x on Intel systems, or AMD SVM Mode on AMD systems.
- Change the setting to Enabled.
- Use the firmware’s Save and Exit command. Do not simply power off, or the change may be discarded.
- Boot Windows, return to Task Manager, and confirm that Virtualization now reads Enabled.
Firmware menus differ substantially. If you cannot find the option, consult the computer or motherboard manual for the exact menu path rather than changing unrelated boot or security settings. On a company-owned computer, firmware access may be password-protected by policy.
Restart and test Google Play Games
Once firmware and Windows features are enabled, restart Windows one more time. Open Google Play Games on the computer and retry the game installation. If the prompt disappears, no additional purchase or hardware accessory is required: the fix uses the PC’s existing processor, firmware controls, Windows utilities, and Google Play Games software.
Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
If the same message remains, use the symptom that best matches your system to choose the next branch instead of repeatedly toggling the same switch.
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Use the failure pattern to choose the next fix
| Observed condition | Most likely block | Next action | Permission needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task Manager says virtualization is disabled | BIOS/UEFI setting | Enable Intel VT-x or AMD SVM, save, boot, and verify again. | Firmware access; administrator rights are usually also needed in Windows. |
| Virtualization is enabled, but Optional Features are unchecked | Windows virtualization components | Enable Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform, then restart. | Windows administrator account. |
| Features cannot install, disappear, or revert after reboot | Damaged Windows component store or policy | Run the repair commands below, install Windows updates, or contact the device administrator. | Elevated Command Prompt; policy issues require IT. |
| Everything is enabled, but setup was originally run with virtualization unavailable | Incomplete Google Play Games setup | Reinstall Google Play Games after confirming virtualization. | Administrator rights may be required to remove or reinstall software. |
| Settings are greyed out or repeatedly reset on a work or school PC | Managed-device restriction | Ask IT whether virtualization and the hypervisor are allowed, or use an unmanaged PC. | Only the administrator can change the policy. |
Repair Windows when features fail
Use these commands only when Windows Features refuses to apply, reports errors, or rolls back after restarting. They check and repair Windows files; they do not replace the BIOS/UEFI step.
- Open Command Prompt with administrator rights. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand wait for the scan to finish. - In the same elevated window, run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand allow the component repair to complete. - Install pending Windows updates, restart the computer, and check Task Manager and Optional Features again.
- Retry Google Play Games only after the restart.
Do not interrupt either scan merely because progress appears to pause. If the commands report that repair was not possible, record the exact Windows message and involve an administrator or Microsoft support; repeating the Google Play Games installer will not repair a damaged component store.
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Reinstall Google Play Games after virtualization is fixed
If Google Play Games was installed or its setup was captured while virtualization was unavailable, the installation can remain stuck on the additional-settings prompt. First verify that Task Manager reports enabled virtualization and that the required Windows features remain enabled after a reboot. Then uninstall Google Play Games through Settings > Apps > Installed apps (the wording can vary by Windows release), restart, and install the current Google Play Games package again using an administrator account.
Reinstalling before fixing firmware, Windows features, or policy simply reproduces the same failure. Treat reinstall as a cleanup step after the underlying requirement is confirmed.
When a work or school policy is the cause
Managed devices can block virtualization even when the processor supports it. Typical signs are a greyed-out BIOS option, Optional Features that are absent or cannot be selected, or settings that appear enabled until the next reboot and then revert. Security software and device-management policy may also prevent an ordinary user from changing these controls.
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Contact the organization’s IT administrator with the exact message, the Task Manager virtualization status, and which Windows features are unavailable. Do not attempt to bypass a firmware password or management policy. If the organization does not permit the Android virtual environment, use a personal, unmanaged Windows PC that meets Google’s baseline instead.
Do not confuse this prompt with Advanced Settings
Google Play Games has a separate, hidden Advanced Settings menu. It is not the repair for a virtualization error, and Google warns that changing advanced settings may disrupt the Google Play Games on PC experience.
- Open Google Play Games on the computer.
- Click your Gamer name.
- Choose Settings.
- Under About, click the displayed app version number seven times.
- Select Continue when prompted.
- Open the newly available Advanced Settings menu.
Use that menu only when Google support or a specific troubleshooting procedure tells you to change an advanced option. It does not substitute for enabling VT-x or SVM, installing Windows’ virtualization features, or obtaining administrator permission.
Quick Recap
Quick completion checklist
- Task Manager > Performance > CPU shows Virtualization: Enabled.
- Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform are enabled where available.
- The PC has Windows 10 version 2004 or later, an SSD with 10 GB free, at least 8 GB RAM, four physical CPU cores, and Intel UHD Graphics 630 or comparable graphics.
- You restarted after changing Windows Features and again after changing BIOS/UEFI.
- Windows repair commands completed if Optional Features failed or reverted.
- An administrator has confirmed that no work or school policy blocks virtualization.
- Only after these checks, you reinstalled Google Play Games if its original setup occurred while virtualization was unavailable.
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