Enabling virtualization in BIOS is a necessary step for running virtual machines on your Windows PC. Whether you’re using Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware, or Windows Subsystem for Android, virtualization must be turned on at the hardware level before it can work in the operating system.
I’ve configured virtualization on many systems over the years—both Intel and AMD-based—and this guide reflects what I’ve consistently seen work, as well as insights gathered from hands-on experience with multiple BIOS interfaces like Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and MSI.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to enable virtualization in BIOS for Windows, with clear step-by-step instructions that apply to most modern systems.
What Is Virtualization?
Virtualization allows your computer to simulate a complete hardware environment to run multiple operating systems simultaneously. This is commonly used for:
- Running virtual machines (VMs) with Hyper-V, VMware, or VirtualBox
- Using Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)
- Developing and testing apps in isolated environments
- Enhancing performance in emulators like BlueStacks and Nox
However, virtualization is disabled by default on many machines. You must manually enable it in the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings before using any of these features in Windows.
Check If Virtualization Is Enabled in Windows
Before diving into BIOS, it’s good to verify whether virtualization is already active.
Method 1: Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Go to the Performance tab
- Click CPU on the left
- Check the line that says Virtualization
- If it says Enabled, you’re good to go
- If it says Disabled, continue with this guide
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS
Step 1: Access the BIOS or UEFI Firmware Settings
You’ll need to restart your computer and enter the BIOS menu. The key varies by manufacturer.
Common BIOS keys:
- Dell – F2
- HP – Esc or F10
- Lenovo – F1 or F2
- ASUS – Del or F2
- MSI – Del
Instructions:
- Click Start > Power > Restart
- As soon as your screen goes black, press the BIOS key repeatedly
- This will take you to the BIOS or UEFI settings screen
If Windows boots instead, restart again and try pressing the key earlier or more frequently.
Step 2: Find the Virtualization Setting in BIOS
The layout differs slightly depending on your motherboard or laptop brand. Look for the virtualization setting under:
- Advanced, CPU Configuration, or System Configuration tab
- For Intel systems: Look for Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
- For AMD systems: Look for SVM Mode or AMD-V
On some systems, the option may be inside a submenu like Advanced > CPU Features
Here’s where I usually find it on different brands:
- Dell: Virtualization Support > Virtualization
- HP: System Security > Virtualization Technology
- Lenovo: Security > Virtualization
- ASUS/MSI: Advanced > CPU Configuration
Step 3: Enable the Virtualization Option
Once located:
- Use arrow keys to navigate
- Highlight the Virtualization setting
- Press Enter and select Enabled
- Press F10 to save and exit
- Confirm by selecting Yes
Your system will reboot automatically with virtualization enabled.
Step 4: Confirm That Virtualization Is Now Active
After reboot:
- Open Task Manager
- Go to Performance > CPU
- It should now say Virtualization: Enabled
Alternatively, you can run this in Command Prompt:
arduino
CopyEdit
systeminfo | find “Virtualization”
You should see something like:
- Virtualization Enabled In Firmware: Yes
This confirms the BIOS change worked.
What If You Don’t See the Virtualization Option?
If you don’t see the setting:
Try These:
- Update your BIOS/UEFI: Visit the manufacturer’s website and follow update instructions
- Check system compatibility: Some entry-level CPUs or older systems may not support virtualization
- Contact support: In rare cases, OEMs hide advanced BIOS options
On one of my older Dell systems, I had to update the BIOS before the option appeared. Always read instructions carefully before updating BIOS to avoid system issues.
Enable Virtualization for Hyper-V (Optional Step in Windows)
If you plan to use Microsoft’s Hyper-V, you also need to enable it in Windows.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and hit Enter
- In Windows Features, check Hyper-V, Hyper-V Platform, and Hyper-V Management Tools
- Click OK and restart your computer
This enables Hyper-V in addition to the BIOS-level virtualization setting.
Why Enabling Virtualization Is Useful
Key use cases:
- Running VirtualBox or VMware for testing OS images
- Using Android emulators for gaming or development
- Accessing Windows Sandbox (available in Pro edition)
- Creating isolated environments for security research
- Running Linux distros within WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
I’ve personally used virtualization for setting up Linux VMs to test software, and for secure browsing sessions with sandboxed environments. It’s an essential feature for power users and developers.
Safety Tips
- Do not change other BIOS settings unless you’re sure what they do
- Always save and exit properly to apply changes
- Make a system restore point or backup before making major changes (especially if also updating BIOS)
Conclusion
Enabling virtualization in BIOS for Windows is straightforward once you understand your system’s firmware layout. With just a few steps—accessing the BIOS, locating the virtualization setting, enabling it, and rebooting—you can unlock advanced features like virtual machines, emulators, and secure environments. If you’re serious about app testing, development, or learning new operating systems, this is a necessary configuration. Once enabled, you can use powerful tools like Hyper-V, VirtualBox, or WSA without issues.
