This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.

[ErinNort]

I am trying to create a VM for Windows Server 2008 (64), I am using Intel I7 and have  'Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI' checked.

I am getting this error:

Preferred mode unavailable. Using binary translation instead.

This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.

Intel VT-x might be disabled if it has been disabled in the BIOS/firmware settings or the host has not been power-cycled since changing this setting.

(1) Verify that the BIOS/firmware settings enable Intel VT-x and disable 'trusted execution.'

(2) Power-cycle the host if either of these BIOS/firmware settings have been changed.

(3) Power-cycle the host if you have not done so since installing VMware Workstation.

(4) Update the host's BIOS/firmware to the latest version.

Thanks for any help!

Attachment(s)

vmware.log   56 KB 1 version

[weinstein5]

Welcome to the Community - do you have it enabled in the machines BIOS?

[ErinNort]

Thank you!

I enabled it in the BIOS during reboot and it is working now. :smileyhappy:

[Jeff Benson]

Good morning.. I am having the same/similar issue.  BIOS supports this but cannot seem to "enable' the function.  ANY help would be appreciated!

[RaSystemlord]

To my knowledge you only need this if you want to run virtualization within virtualization, nested virtualization. Do you? You don't say that you are doing that.

[Jeff Benson]

Am running win10 pro.Needing to run a vm win 7 within my win 10
On Jun 26, 2025, at 11:33, RaSystemlord via Broadcom <[e-mail]> wrote:

To my knowledge you only need this if you want to run virtualization within virtualization, nested virtualization. Do you? You don't say that you...

[Jeff Benson]

Virtual within virtual?? Not sure I follow.

host windows10. Want to be able to tun 'em with a win7 guest

[RaSystemlord]

Jeff:
If you have Host Win-something and Guest Win-something, you don't need that. Your can also substitute "Linux" instead of "Win" in the above - you don't need that.

If you want to run Host Win-something, Guest VMware ESXi and inside ESXi Win-something - then you need that. That is nested virtualization - guest within guest. I don't run Nested - you have to ask somebody else for more details.

[Jeff Benson]

Thank you. This is helpful

On Mon, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:57 RaSystemlord via Broadcom <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> Jeff: If you have Host Win-something and Guest Win-something, you don't
> need that. Your can also substitute "Linux" instead of "Win" in the above
> ...
> [image: Broadcom] <https: community.broadcom.com>
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> RaSystemlord
> <https: community.broadcom.com network members profile?userkey=f0b68461-99c9-42dd-b21f-b2d0005c73c8>
>
> Jeff:
> If you have Host Win-something and Guest Win-something, you don't need
> that. Your can also substitute "Linux" instead of "Win" in the above - you
> don't need that.
>
> If you want to run Host Win-something, Guest VMware ESXi and inside ESXi
> Win-something - then you need that. That is nested virtualization - guest
> within guest. I don't run Nested - you have to ask somebody else for more
> details.
> *Reply to Group Online
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> -------------------------------------------
> Original Message:
> Sent: Jun 30, 2025 01:32 PM
> From: Jeff Benson
> Subject: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.
>
> Virtual within virtual?? Not sure I follow.
>
> host windows10. Want to be able to tun 'em with a win7 guest
>
> Original Message:
> Sent: Jun 26, 2025 01:29 PM
> From: RaSystemlord
> Subject: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.
>
> To my knowledge you only need this if you want to run virtualization
> within virtualization, nested virtualization. Do you? You don't say that
> you are doing that.
>
> Original Message:
> Sent: Jun 26, 2025 11:30 AM
> From: Jeff Benson
> Subject: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.
>
> Good morning.. I am having the same/similar issue. BIOS supports this but
> cannot seem to "enable' the function. ANY help would be appreciated!
>
> [image: VM esxi workstation]
>
> Original Message:
> Sent: Apr 07, 2013 09:18 PM
> From: weinstein5
> Subject: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled.
>
> Welcome to the Community - do you have it enabled in the machines BIOS?
>
>
>
>
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[a_p_]

According to the log file, VT-x is not enabled in the host's BIOS.

Common: MSR  0x3a = 0x1 --> currently "0001" , should be "x1x1" (e.g. 0x5)

Please follow the steps mentioned in the error message and - once in the BIOS - consider to also enable "Execute Disable". This is required if you want to install e.g. Windows 8/2012.

André

[ErinNort]

Thanks,

I enabled it in the BIOS during reboot and it is working now. :smileyhappy: