Virtual machines are wonderful things. With virtualization apps, you can run an entire virtual computer in a window on your current system. Within that virtual machine, you can run different operating systems, test apps in a sandbox environment, and experiment with features without worry.
In order to work , those virtual machine apps need hardware acceleration features built into modern CPUs. For Intel CPUs, this means Intel VT-x hardware acceleration. For AMD CPUs, it means AMD-V hardware acceleration.
💡 What is virtualization?
Virtualization technology allows you to use the same hardware resources to run a secondary operating system in complete isolation from the other that’s already running on your PC. For instance, you can run Ubuntu inside Windows 10 if virtualization is enabled on your PC.
You can use this technology to access suspicious files and applications and experiment with features without any risk of harm to your computer.
Virtualization technology allows you to use the same hardware resources to run a secondary operating system in complete isolation from the other that’s already running on your PC. For instance, you can run Ubuntu inside Windows 10 if virtualization is enabled on your PC.
You can use this technology to access suspicious files and applications and experiment with features without any risk of harm to your computer.
Unfortunately, in many cases CPU virtualization is disabled by default in the BIOS and needs to be enabled in order for an operating system to take advantage of it. This blog discusses quick and easy steps to enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in your system.
What is Intel VT-x and AMD-V?
Intel VT-x and AMD-V are processors manufactured by Intel and AMD Corp. that support virtualization. If you want to check whether your processor supports virtualization from within Windows or not, please read the article:
Does my CPU support Intel VT-x/AMD-V Virtualization Technology?
Besides this, Microsoft Hyper-V, which is available for free in Windows 10 pro and above versions requires Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Without this, you will not be able to use Hyper-V.
How to enable Intel VT-x in BIOS?
Here are the steps which you need to follow step by step to enable Intel VT-x in BIOS:
Step 1: To enable virtualization, press the key that opens the BIOS as soon as the computer starts. This key varies by BIOS manufacturer, but it’s usually Del, Esc, F1, F2, F4 or F12.
Tap the key about twice per second as soon as the screen goes black so you don’t miss the BIOS. If the key you try doesn’t work, reboot the computer again and try another key.
Once you are in the BIOS, you may be at a main screen similar to the one below.
Step 2: Look for the virtualization setting. Find the option or menu where you can enable virtualization. The name varies by computer, but try looking for any of the following names (or ones that are similar):
Intel Virtualization Technology, AMD-V, Hyper-V, VT-X, Vanderpool, or SVM. Use the checkbox to enable the setting, then you can Save and Exit.
In AMD processors, you don’t have to enable virtualization technology in BIOS because they are enabled by default. That’s it. You are done. Virtualization technology is now enabled.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. We will reply. Thanks.
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