Learn how to fix the “VT-x is Disabled in the BIOS for all CPU Modes” error in VirtualBox. Our Virtualizor Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Fix the “VT-x is Disabled in the BIOS for all CPU Modes” Error in VirtualBox

If we are working with virtual machines, we are likely to run into the error message: “VT-x is disabled in the BIOS for all CPU modes.”

This message points to a common issue where virtualization technology (VT-x) is disabled in the BIOS settings. Additionally, VT-x is crucial for running virtual machines, especially when dealing with 64-bit guest operating systems in environments like Oracle VM VirtualBox.

Today, we are going to explore the causes behind this error, how to fix it, and ways to prevent future issues.

An Overview:

1. Understanding the Error
2. Impacts of the Error
3. Causes and Fixes
4. Virtualization Disabled in BIOS
5. Hyper-V Conflict
6. Outdated BIOS
7. Incorrect CPU Settings in VirtualBox
8. Third-Party Software Interference
9. Computer Does Not Support VT-x/AMD-V/a>
10. NX & PAE Are Disabled on the Host CPU
11. Insufficient or Excessive RAM Allocation
12. Preventing Future Issues

Understanding the Error

The full error message typically reads as:

“VT-x is disabled in the BIOS for all CPU modes (VERR_VMX_MSR_ALL_VMX_DISABLED).”

This message is often paired with a result code, usually “E_FAIL (0x80004005)”, indicating a general operational failure. Furthermore, the impact of this error is significant, as it prevents users from creating or running virtual machines that require VT-x, particularly those running 64-bit operating systems.

Impacts of the Error

The error can cause the following issues:

• VirtualBox won’t run virtual machines requiring hardware virtualization, rendering 64-bit systems unusable.
• Additionally, without VT-x, your VMs may experience slowdowns and will lack access to features designed to optimize performance.
• Also, some operating systems, especially 64-bit versions, simply won’t run without VT-x enabled.

Causes and Fixes

1. Virtualization Disabled in BIOS

Most systems have virtualization (VT-x) disabled by default to enhance security.

Fix:

1. Restart the computer and access the BIOS setup by pressing “F2, Del,” or “Esc” during boot.
2. Then, go to the System Configuration or Advanced tab.
3. Locate Intel VT or Virtualization Technology and enable it.
4. Finally, save changes and exit the BIOS.

2. Hyper-V Conflict

On Windows, Hyper-V may conflict with VirtualBox as both use virtualization.

Fix:

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Then, uncheck Hyper-V and any related features.
3. Restart your computer.

3. Outdated BIOS

An outdated BIOS may not properly support virtualization features.

Fix:

So, visit the motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website and check for BIOS updates. Then, follow their instructions to update the system’s BIOS.

4. Incorrect CPU Settings in VirtualBox

VirtualBox settings may not be configured correctly for CPU usage.

Fix:

1. Open VirtualBox and select the virtual machine.
2. Then, go to Settings > System > Processor.
3. Ensure “Enable PAE/NX” is checked.
4. Then, adjust the number of CPUs allocated (1 CPU is often sufficient).

5. Third-Party Software Interference

Security software or third-party applications may interfere with virtualization.

Fix:

Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party security software. If this resolves the issue, configure the security software to allow virtualization or consider switching solutions.

6. Computer Does Not Support VT-x/AMD-V

Some older CPUs do not support hardware virtualization.

Fix:

Check the CPU’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website. If the processor doesn’t support VT-x (Intel) or AMD-V (AMD), we won’t be able to run 64-bit VMs.

7. NX & PAE Are Disabled on the Host CPU

PAE (Physical Address Extension) and NX (No eXecute) features may be disabled in the BIOS, preventing virtualization from functioning.

Fix:

1. Enter the BIOS setup during boot.
2. Then, go to the Advanced or Security settings.
3. Look for PAE/NX options and enable them.
4. Save changes and exit.

8. Insufficient or Excessive RAM Allocation

Allocating too little or too much RAM to a virtual machine can cause problems.

Fix:

1. First, open VirtualBox and select the virtual machine.
2. Then, go to Settings > System > Motherboard.
3. Adjust the Base Memory slider to allocate an appropriate amount of RAM (typically 2GB or more for 64-bit systems but less than half of the total system RAM).
4. Restart the machine after making changes.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid facing the VT-x error in the future, follow these tips:

• Ensure virtualization settings remain enabled after system updates or changes.
• Regularly update both VirtualBox and the operating system to maintain compatibility and improve performance.
• Be mindful of new software installations, especially security applications that may alter system settings and cause conflicts with virtualization.

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Conclusion

By following these steps, we can resolve the “VT-x is disabled in the BIOS” error and ensure that our virtual machines run smoothly.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix the “VT-x is Disabled in the BIOS for all CPU Modes” error in VirtualBox.