How to Enable Intel Virtualization Technology

You can achieve maximum efficiency by turning on Virtualization Technology on your devices with Intel or AMD processors.

This technology is a processor-related feature available on your desktop or laptop computers. This characteristic must be enabled to use virtualization programs such as VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Hyper-V.

Enabling Intel Virtualization Technology

How to Activate Virtualization Technology to Use Software on a PC

To enable virtualization on your PC, your Intel or AMD CPU must first support this feature. You can help with this by enabling the feature on your CPU after opening the BIOS settings.

If your CPU does not support virtualization technology, you may need to purchase a new one and update your computer.

It is helpful to note that the processor has the VTx when you buy a new PC. Alternatively, if you have a desktop computer and your CPU lacks this characteristic, you will need to upgrade your system with a new one.

Before you start turning on this feature, I suggest you learn your processor’s abilities. The CPU, the brain of your computer, sets not only speed but also these kinds of special skills.

Virtualization support is just one of these special instruction sets. What most people miss is how these skills change your work load. A small search could save you from needless cost.

You can visit its website to check all the features of Intel hardware. The following image displays all the information about the Core i7-3632QM.

Intel Official Website

As shown in the image below, Intel VTx Technology is available.

Checking CPU VTx Support

How to Check Processor VT-x Using Intel Processor Identification Utility

Download the Intel CPU software from here to your computer and install it. After opening the tool, you can find out whether your processor supports the VTx feature.

Additionally, if you have an AMD processor, download the relevant program from this link and review the processor’s features.

Intel Processor Identification Utility

How to Activate AMD/Intel VT-x in BIOS on PC/Laptop

Many people are researching what BIOS virtualization is, but there is no such thing as BIOS virtualization. This is a processor feature that can be enabled in the BIOS settings of your computer’s motherboard.

To enable VTx for these CPUs, you must first enter the BIOS. Restart your computer and press F2 or DEL to enter the BIOS.

At this stage, you’re interacting with the BIOS for the first time in a serious way. This software, which contains all the basic settings of your motherboard, acts as a bridge between the PC hardware and the operating system.

To go into more detail, a wrong setting can stop the system from starting. So, I strongly suggest that you learn the details of the BIOS settings. This knowledge will give you great trust when doing tasks.

Follow the steps below to open VTx on a desktop computer or laptop.

Steps:

Step 1

To access the Configuration option, use the directional keys on the keyboard and press Enter.

Intel VTx - Disabled

Step 2

On the VTx option, and then press Enter on the Enabled option.

Intel VTx - Enabled

Step 3

After enabling it in the BIOS, press F10 to save your settings.

F10 - Save and Exit

Step 4

After you turn on your operating system to verify your process, you can test it using Task Manager. In the picture below, you can see that it is enabled in the CPU section.

CPU - Virtualization

FAQ About the Guide to Enabling Virtualization Technology

I enabled this setting in BIOS but my virtual machine still runs slowly. Is there another trick I missed?

The BIOS step is a must but it is only half the job. Make sure rival platforms like Hyper-V or Windows Sandbox are turned off inside the operating system. Because these grab VT-x, VirtualBox or VMware become second-class citizens.

Also, you need to assign enough RAM and CPU cores to the virtual machine. Do not forget to install guest tools inside the guest system. In the end, these small touches make performance fly.

How can I quickly find out if my processor supports this feature without formatting Windows at all?

Open Task Manager and click the Performance tab. You will see the line that says Virtualization at the bottom right. If it says Disabled here, either your processor does not support it or BIOS is turned off.

For more detailed info, download Intel’s official Processor Identification Utility tool. This app clearly shows the VT-x label. AMD users should check AMD-V compatibility with their own official software.

My laptop’s BIOS screen does not look at all like the images on the internet. Where should I look for this VT-x option?

Menu names change completely based on brand and model. On Dell machines, it is usually hidden in the Performance tab. On HP devices, you need to browse under System Security or Device Configuration.

Some motherboards bury this setting deep in the Advanced CPU Configuration menu. Even on AMD systems, it can appear as SVM Mode. If you get confused, definitely look at the chipset maker’s manual.

If this CPU-level feature is turned off, do virtual programs not open at all or do they just run slowly?

The situation changes based on the program. Old VirtualBox versions only opened 32-bit machines; 64-bit options were fully grayed out. So you cannot install some systems at all.

Current software can run in software fallback mode, even with very low performance. If you are going to test games or heavy apps, this scenario is pure torture. In the end, without this feature, performance hits rock bottom.

I saved the BIOS setting and exited, but Task Manager still shows it as disabled. What went wrong?

This may happen because you did not do a cold shutdown. On some laptop models, the Fast Startup feature does not reset. Fully shut down the machine, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

What is more, on some rare motherboards, the BIOS version is faulty. You may need to download and flash the latest firmware from the manufacturer’s site. However, if the problem continues, removing the motherboard battery and doing a reset is sometimes a magic touch.

I am building a new computer. What should I watch out for so I do not accidentally buy a processor that does not support this technology?

Look for the Intel VT-x or AMD SVM label on the box or the tech specs page. Today, this is standard on almost all new generation processors. But on very old or cut-down entry-level models, it can be a total trap.

Go into the ARK database on the Intel website and type the model number. In the security and reliability tab, this feature is clearly listed. So do not blindly throw cheap Celeron or old Atom chips into your cart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a system administrator, check the CPU feature before purchasing a new PC.

You are likely using software such as VMware Workstation or VirtualBox on your computer. If you enable this feature, you will ensure compatibility and be able to run virtual machines.

How to Enable Intel Virtualization Technology on Desktop & Laptop PCs