How to activate virtualization in bios? step by step guide

Virtualization is a procedure that is currently used in computing when it comes to simulate other machines within one. Programs like vmware They are responsible for taking advantage of this parameter that is adjusted in the basic configuration of the computer to use several operating systems simultaneously or perform more complex tasks that require the simulation of devices.

This is something that is often used in development environments. Programmers, especially Android and iOS, they need virtualization to enable a copy of a mobile inside the computer and interact with the apps as if they were on a real phone. In the same way, it is also something that is used when manipulating programs that are only compatible with certain operating systems. It is something very frequent in the field of development and when working with old tools.

But, in order to use these programs that allow you to simulate devices, you must first carry out a key procedure. we will explain how to enable virtualization in bios, since it is the essential step to achieve this. In this guide we give you all the guidelines to follow, although we anticipate that it is a process that depends a lot on the computer.

Steps to enable virtualization technology

The main problem that a user can find when enable virtualization technology on a computer is that you must do it through BIOS. This means following a different procedure depending not only on the manufacturer, but also on the type of motherboard installed in the PC.

Because of this, We are going to offer some indications that serve as a guide. Although, we insist, many of the points depend on the brand of the components used in the PCso we recommend searching for specific models on the net.

Here are the steps to follow:

1 – Turn on the computer and enter the BIOS

The most important point of all. You have to go into BIOS as soon as you turn on the computer, since it is the only stretch of time in which it is accessible.

To do this, what you should do is, at the moment you press the power switch, hold down one of these keys right after:

• F1
• F2
• F12
• delete
• Etc…

As we said before, the key to use depends on your PC, so it is good that you check this according to the brand/model of your motherboard.

If you do not find the correct one, you can enter your operating system. If you use Windows 10click on the menu button “Start” and click on the gear what’s on the left.

In this window that appears now, go to the section “Update and security” and click on it to advance.

Then, go to the left column to click on “Recovery”. Now look at the right part of the window and, under the section “Advanced start“, Press the button “Restart now”.

Once this is done, choose “Solve problems” in the menu that appears. Then check the option “Advanced Options” and, finally, click on “UEFI Firmware Configuration”. Press the reset button and when the computer turns on again, you will enter directly into the BIOS.

2 – Enable virtualization

We are once again entering a field that depends on the manufacturer, models, versions and many more aspects. In order to proceed normally, we recommend having at hand PC motherboard documentation or, failing that, search for it on the internet.

In any case, we are going to explain the general guidelines to follow once you are inside the BIOS:

When you have already accessed, look for the advanced section or, as it is normally seen, “Advanced BIOS Features” either “Advanced” to dry.

Within this, you just have to look for the section “Virtualization Technology” and modify its value so that it appears as “enabled”. You will have to use the keyboard for this.

*Other wayin different models, is to look for a section called “VT-x” either “Virtualization” through the different menus lips. Research until you find it and make sure to activate it, either with the keyboard or the mouse.

When you have enabled it, exit the BIOS. Remember to always do it through the exit and save option, “Exit & Save Settings” or the like. If you don’t, this modification will not be applied and you will have to repeat the whole process again.

After doing this, and rebooting your computer, you can go back to the operating system and check that virtualization is now working. You can now use virtual machines on your computer without problems, as long as you have the necessary software and files to do so. If by chance it fails again in the future, repeat this entire procedure, as an update may have changed the settings.