To create a Windows 11 virtual machine (VM) on TrueNAS SCALE, you need a prepared Windows 11 .iso file and a dedicated directory or zvol (ZFS Volume) within your storage1 pool to store the VM's virtual hard disk.

TrueNAS provides a streamlined setup wizard to configure Windows 11 requirements like UEFI and TPM. Follow these steps to configure the storage and create the VM:

1. Upload the Windows 11 ISO. Before creating the VM, TrueNAS needs access to the Windows installation media. Go to your Datasets menu and create a new dataset named ISO_images within your storage1 pool. Click on this dataset, choose Upload, and upload your official Windows 11 .iso file.

2. Prepare the Storage for the VM DiskVirtual machines do not use standard folders; they require a block-storage space called a zvol. Expand your storage1 pool in the Storage menu and create a Zvol named Win11_Disk (or similar). Allocate the desired size (e.g., at least 64GB) to ensure Windows 11 has enough space.

3. Create the Virtual Machine. Navigate to Virtualization on the left menu and click Add. Operating System: Select Windows. Choose a name for your VM (e.g., Win11_VM). System Options: Set Boot Method to UEFI. Check both the Enable Secure Boot and Enable TPM checkboxes (these are mandatory to pass the Windows 11 system requirements). Display: Check Enable Display (VNC), leave the IP on 0.0.0.0 (all interfaces), and set a VNC password. CPU and Memory: Assign at least 2 vCPUs and 4GB to 8GB of RAM. Set the CPU Mode to Host Passthrough for the best performance. Disk: Choose Use existing disk (or create a new disk), and select the Win11_Disk zvol you created in storage1. Network Interface: Set the adapter type to Intel (or virtio if you plan to install VirtIO drivers later) and attach it to your network bridge. Installation Media: Select the Windows 11 .iso file you uploaded in Step 1.

4. Install Windows 11. After saving, the VM will appear in the Virtual Machines list in a stopped state. Click the Play (Start) button to boot the VM. Click on the VM, select Display or the VNC icon to open the virtual monitor. When prompted to “Press any key to boot from CD/DVD,” do so to begin the Windows installer.