How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS: A Step-by-Step Guide
By The Uptime Report editorial team · Last updated September 2026
To learn how to enable virtualization in BIOS: restart your computer, enter the BIOS or UEFI setup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, Del, or Esc at boot), find the virtualization setting (Intel VT-x or AMD-V), enable it, and save. It is required to run virtual machines, and most modern CPUs support it.
Key takeaways
- Virtualization is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, not in the operating system.
- Enter BIOS by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup (varies by maker).
- The setting is called Intel VT-x, AMD-V, SVM, or simply Virtualization Technology.
- It is required to run virtual machines, WSL, Docker, and Android emulators.
- Most CPUs from the last decade support it; it is often just turned off by default.
What is BIOS virtualization and why enable it?
Hardware virtualization support is built into most modern processors but is often disabled by default in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. Enabling it lets your computer run virtual machines efficiently. You need it on to use tools like VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), Docker, and Android emulators. If a virtualization tool reports it cannot start because virtualization is off, this is the fix.
How to enable virtualization in BIOS step by step
- Restart your computer.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI: press the setup key repeatedly during boot. Common keys are F2, F10, Del, or Esc; the maker’s logo screen usually shows which.
- Find the setting: look under Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Security. It is labeled Intel VT-x, AMD-V, SVM Mode, or Virtualization Technology.
- Enable it and, if present, enable VT-d or IOMMU too for device passthrough.
- Save and exit (usually F10). The computer reboots with virtualization on.
How do you verify virtualization is enabled?
On Windows, open Task Manager, go to the Performance tab, select CPU, and look for “Virtualization: Enabled.” On Linux, run a command such as grep -E "vmx|svm" /proc/cpuinfo; output means the CPU supports it, and if your hypervisor starts, it is enabled. If it still shows disabled after the BIOS change, confirm you saved the setting and that the CPU supports virtualization.
What if you cannot find the virtualization setting?
A few reasons it may be missing: the BIOS is outdated (update it from the maker’s site), the setting is under a differently named menu, or the CPU is old enough to lack support. On some prebuilt and corporate machines the option is hidden or locked by the manufacturer. If it is locked, a BIOS update or the maker’s support is the path, since virtualization cannot be enabled from the operating system.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enable virtualization in BIOS?
Restart, enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F10, Del, or Esc at boot), find Intel VT-x or AMD-V under Advanced or CPU Configuration, enable it, and save.
Why do I need to enable virtualization?
It is required to run virtual machines and tools like Hyper-V, VMware, WSL, Docker, and Android emulators efficiently.
What is the virtualization setting called?
Intel VT-x, AMD-V, SVM Mode, or Virtualization Technology, depending on your CPU and BIOS.
How do I verify virtualization is on?
On Windows, check Task Manager’s Performance tab under CPU for ‘Virtualization: Enabled.’ On Linux, grep /proc/cpuinfo for vmx or svm.
Why can’t I find the virtualization option?
The BIOS may be outdated, the setting may be under a different menu, the CPU may not support it, or a manufacturer may have locked it.
Can I enable virtualization without entering BIOS?
No. Virtualization is a firmware setting and must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, not from the operating system.
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