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How to Fix VT-x Is Not Available VERR_VMX_NO_VMX Error on Windows 11

If you are trying to run a virtual machine on Windows 11 and encounter the error VT-x Is Not Available VERR_VMX_NO_VMX, it means your system’s hardware virtualization feature is not enabled or accessible.

This error prevents virtual machines from running efficiently or at all.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to fix this issue and get your virtual machine working again.

Let’s go through the process carefully and step-by-step.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your CPU supports virtualization technology (Intel VT-x or AMD-V). Most modern processors do, but older ones might not.
  • Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 PC to change system settings.
  • Close all running virtual machines and virtualization software before making changes.
  • Restarting your computer after each major change is important to apply the settings properly.

Step 1: Check If Virtualization Is Supported by Your CPU

Virtualization technology must be supported by your processor to run virtual machines effectively.

To check this:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on the Performance tab.
  3. Select CPU from the left panel.
  4. Look for the line called Virtualization on the right. It should say Enabled or Disabled.

If it says Not supported, your CPU does not support VT-x, and unfortunately, you won’t be able to use virtualization on this machine.

Step 2: Enable Virtualization Technology in BIOS/UEFI

If virtualization is supported but disabled, you need to enable it in your system’s BIOS or UEFI settings.

This is important because Windows and virtualization software cannot access the VT-x feature unless it is enabled at the hardware level.

Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. As your PC boots up, press the BIOS/UEFI access key. This key varies by manufacturer but is often one of the following: F2, Delete, Esc, or F10. You may see a message like “Press F2 to enter Setup.”
  3. Once inside BIOS/UEFI, look for a tab or menu labeled Advanced, Security, or CPU Configuration.
  4. Find an option named Intel Virtualization Technology, VT-x, Virtualization Extensions, or AMD-V.
  5. Change this setting to Enabled.
  6. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F10 and confirming).

Your PC will restart with virtualization enabled.

Step 3: Disable Hyper-V on Windows 11

Windows 11 has a built-in virtualization platform called Hyper-V. Sometimes, Hyper-V can conflict with other virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware, causing VT-x errors.

To disable Hyper-V:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type optionalfeatures.exe and press Enter.
  3. In the Windows Features window, find Hyper-V and uncheck it.
  4. Click OK and wait for Windows to apply the changes.
  5. Restart your computer.

Disabling Hyper-V frees up VT-x for use by other virtualization tools.

Step 4: Turn Off Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

Windows 11’s security feature called Memory Integrity can block virtualization features.

To disable it:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on Device Security in the left pane.
  3. Select Core isolation details.
  4. Turn off the toggle for Memory integrity.
  5. Restart your PC.

Step 5: Check for Conflicting Software

Some programs can block VT-x access. Antivirus software or other virtualization platforms may cause conflicts.

To troubleshoot:

  • Temporarily disable antivirus or security software and try running your VM again.
  • Uninstall any other virtualization platforms that might be running in the background.
  • Make sure Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) or Windows Sandbox features are disabled if you don’t need them.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Disable Hyper-V

If you prefer using the command line, you can disable Hyper-V with this method:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. You can do this by searching for cmd, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

Restart your computer afterward. This command disables Hyper-V at boot time.

FAQs

What is VT-x and why is it important?

VT-x is Intel’s hardware virtualization technology that allows your CPU to run multiple operating systems simultaneously inside virtual machines. Without it, virtualization software cannot perform efficiently or may not run at all.

Can I enable VT-x on any computer?

No, your CPU must support VT-x or AMD-V virtualization extensions. You can verify this in the Task Manager or by checking your processor’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website.

Why do I still get the error after enabling VT-x in BIOS?

Other Windows features like Hyper-V or Memory Integrity might be blocking access to VT-x. Disabling them usually resolves the issue.

Does disabling Hyper-V affect my system negatively?

Disabling Hyper-V only affects Windows features that rely on it, like Windows Sandbox or WSL 2. If you do not use these, there will be no negative impact.

Can I use virtualization software without VT-x?

Some software can run virtual machines without VT-x but with limited performance and features. For the best experience, VT-x is recommended.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps above and the error still persists, consider these options:

  • Update your BIOS/UEFI firmware to the latest version from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website. Sometimes virtualization features are improved or fixed in updates.
  • Check your virtualization software’s official documentation for specific compatibility or troubleshooting instructions.
  • Visit Microsoft’s official support page or your PC manufacturer’s support for advanced help.
  • Consider using alternative virtualization platforms or cloud-based virtual machines if local virtualization is not possible.

Conclusion

The VT-x Is Not Available VERR_VMX_NO_VMX error on Windows 11 usually means virtualization is disabled or blocked. By verifying CPU support, enabling virtualization in BIOS, disabling Hyper-V and Memory Integrity, and checking for software conflicts, you can resolve this issue in most cases.

Following the steps carefully ensures your system is properly configured for virtualization, allowing your virtual machines to run smoothly. If problems persist, updating BIOS or seeking official support may be necessary.

With these solutions, you should be able to fix the VT-x error and enjoy seamless virtualization on your Windows 11 PC.

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