How To

How to Enable Intel Virtualization Technology VT-X in BIOS

Written by John

With an Intel processor on your computer there is so much you can do. This includes running two independent operating systems in the same machine. This is allowed due to Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-X) which was previously known as Vanderpool. This however is only possible in computers that have dual core processors. Though the possibility of having two OS in one computer is not limited to the use of VT-X, it is the best option. Among the other options, you have included the use of software like VMware. With this, you can virtualize your computer where you partition your computer to make two independent computers. With two operating systems operating on the computer you can be able to make different uses of the computer. You can install two versions of the same operating system like Windows 7 and Windows 10 or you can install different operating systems like macOS and Linux. Either way, they will be independent of each other.

VT-X is one of the two versions of Intel’s virtualization technology used for x86 processors. The other is VT-I for Itanium processors (IA-64). In modern Intel CPUs, the hardware for virtualization is included. This help accelerates VMWare, HyperV, VirtualBox and other applications and software that allow you to virtualize your computer.

By default, Intel’s VT-x is off and needs to be updated. Any attempts to enable Intel virtualization will bring forth one of the following messages:

VMware Player or Workstation:
Mac OS X is not supported with binary translation. To run Mac OS X, you need a host on which VMware Player supports Intel VT-x or AMD-V.

VirtualBox:
VT-x is disabled in the BIOS for both all CPU modes.

How can you enable Intel Virtualization technology?

There are two options to do this depending on the type of computer you have. On a computer made before the advent of Windows 8, you will need to use a BIOS setup screen to update VT-x. If the computer you are using was made after Windows 8, you will need to use UEFI firmware. Here is a look at how to do each.

I. Accessing UEFI Firmware on Windows 8 and 10 then Enable VT-X

Modern computers take a very short time to boot and the press of a button in an attempt to delay the boot process and access the boot options may fail most of the time. You can however access the boot options menu even after the computer has booted into Windows.

Click StartSettingsUpdate & Security

Open update and recovery

Open Update and Recovery

Select Recovery then click Restart now

Recovery and Restart

Recovery and Restart

To do this, click on the Troubleshoot tile then select Advanced Options. Select UEFI firmware settings Click on the Restart option and the computer will reboot and enter to BIOS.

Troubleshoot Advanced Uefi Firmware

Troubleshoot Advanced UEFI Firmware

Locate the Chipset,’ “Advances Chipset Control,” “Northbridge” or “Advanced CPU configuration” menu. This will depend on the make of the computer you use. Under any of these menus look for the “Processor” submenu. Under this look for the VT-x option. This may be anything from “Virtualization Extensions,” to “Intel Virtualization Technology,” to “Intel VT-x,” and even “Vanderpool.” Select the option and enable it.

Enable VT-X in BIOS

Enable VT-X in BIOS

Click on “Save and Exit” This will save the changes and restart the computer with the changes in place.

II. Accessing BIOS with Boot Key (Legacy Mode) then Enable VT-X

If you don’t have a UEFI firmware settings button on your Windows 8 or 10. You can use Boot Key to Enter BIOS.

Accessing BIOS in Older computers

Accessing BIOS in Older computers

This is really simple to access. Just switch the computer on and press the ‘go to setup’ key on the keyboard that will take you to the setup menu. This key can be “F2,” “Del,” “Esc” or “F1”. This will depend on the computer you are using. To determine which key is appropriate, look at the message that appears on the screen as ”Press [key] to access setup.” This will usually be shown before the computers start to boot. If this message is not there, you will need to go back to the computer’s manual or carry out online research. Note that you need to press the specified key before the computer’s boot process begins.

Once in the setup, look for the “Intel Virtualization Technology” option or similar and enable it.

Enable VT-X in BIOS

Enable VT-X in BIOS

Once you have enabled the VT-X, you can now manipulate the computer to create several partitions operating different operating system platforms. You can install another OS, in the partition not occupied by the one you are currently using. With this, you will be able to have two virtual computers running in one machine. Each virtual computer will have its own operating system controlling it and other programs running in it. These are parallel and independent of each other. It is just like owning two computers except it is in one machine sharing all the hardware which is a really cool thing thanks to Intel Virtualization Technology.

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