This article provided by MiniTool official web gives an analysis of the “VT-x is disabled” issue and offers five ways for you to choose for getting rid of the problem. All these methods have helped some users out.
Are you suffering from the VirtualBox error VT-x is disabled in CPU modes (VERR_VMX_MSR_ALL_VMX_DISABLED)? Or, have you ever encountered that problem when you tried to open a virtual machine with VM VirtualBox? If so, are you looking for solutions or have fixed the issue completely?
That is a system related problem and it can happen to both Windows and Ubuntu operating systems (OSes).
What May Be the Cause of VirtualBox VT-x Is Disabled in the BIOS for All CPU Modes Error?
The factors that may cause the VirtualBox problem is multiple; some of them are listed below.
Cause 1. VT-x Is Disabled from BIOS
For most situations, the above error is due to that the VT-X (Virtualization Technology) is disabled from the BIOS level on the computer. A 64-bit host requires the VT-x to be enabled in the BIOS. For some computers, it also needs the Virtualization Technology Directed I/O (VTd) to be enabled.
Cause 2. Computer Does Not Support VT-x / AMD-V
It may also be that your Central Processing Unit (CPU) doesn’t support virtualization. Usually, this happens on old machines that are equipped with old CPUs.
Cause 3. NX & PAE Are Disabled on the Host CPU
Seek deep further, it may be the PAE (Physical Address Extension) and NX technology in the CPU are disabled that trigger the “VTx is disabled” error.
Cause 4. Allocated RAM Isn’t Enough or Exceeding System’s Capabilities
Sometimes, if the random-access memory assigned to operate the VirtualBox application is insufficient or the allocated memory is larger than the operating system’s capabilities, the VirtualBox can’t run properly and report the above error message.
Cause 5. Third-Party Security Software’s Interference
Security programs are good for protecting your computer from cyber attacks and data loss. Yet, they may be annoying for interfering with normal processes on your machine like disabling the VT-x in the BIOS. Such security tools including AV clients.
Fix VT-x Is Disabled in the BIOS for All CPU Modes
- Verify VT-X / AMD-V Support
- Enable VT-X from BIOS
- Enable PAE/NX in VirtualBox Settings
- Adjust Assigned RAM size
- Avoid Third-Party Security Program Influencing
How to Fix VT-x Is Disabled in CPU Modes (VERR_VMX_MSR_AL Windows 10/11?
Below are some methods that have helped many users solving the particular problem.
#1 Verify VT-X / AMD-V Support
To get to know whether your CPU supports VT-X (for Intel CPUs) / AMD-V (for AMD CPUs) or not, you have to rely on a professional third-party program, such as SecurAble.
To make use of SecurAble, first of all, download install it on your computer. Then, launch the executable file and start to analyze your CPU. When it finishes, you will be shown with the result telling you whether your processor supports virtualization or not.
If your CPU does not support virtualization, you should know that you cannot use VirtualBox on this machine. You can use it on another computer that supports virtualization. Or, maybe you need to replace a new and advanced CPU for your machine.
If your current CPU does support virtualization, it should be another reason that causes VirtualBox not to open. For example, this host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled. Just continue to try the next way.
Tip: Best Virtual Machine for Windows, Linux, and Mac Systems
#2 Enable VT-X from BIOS
If you are using an x86 host, you can try to enable the VT-x and maybe together with VT-d in BIOS settings. This will probably solve your problem.
Step 1. Power on your computer and tap a special key repeatedly until you enter the BIOS. The key for accessing the BIOS of the different motherboard is different. Generally, it should be one of the F keys, F2, F10, F12, F8, F4, etc., or the Del key for Dell computers.
Step 2. When you successfully enter BIOS, navigate to Security > System Security or somewhere similar like Advanced BIOS Features or Advanced Intel® Virtualization Technology where you can find the virtual technology option(s).
Step 3. Enable Virtual Technology (VTx) and/or Virtual Technology Directed I/O (VTd).
Step 4. Save changes, exit BIOS, and restart your computer.
Also Read: What Is the Difference Between 32 Bit and 64 Bit (x86 vs x64)
#3 Enable PAE/NX in VirtualBox Settings
This method may deal with the problem that happened on 64-bit computers. Just go to VM VirtualBox Settings > System > Processor and ensure the Enable PAE/NX is checked. Finally, don’t forget to restart your machine.
#4 Adjust Assigned RAM size
Corresponding to Cause 4 in the above content, you can try to adjust the size of the allocated memory to run the VirtualBox program. Move to VirtualBox Settings > System > Motherboard. There, move the slider left (decrease) or right (increase) to adjust the RAM capacity given to VirtualBox from the computer memory. Don’t forget to restart the machine.
Related Article: How to Use Windows 10/11 as a Virtual Machine – A Step-by-Step Guide
#5 Avoid Third-Party Security Program Influencing
Just as mentioned above, some antivirus apps will stop virtualization from operating. Those security applications will create a “sandbox” in the background and look for virtualization features from being used by VirtualBox or other virtualization processes.
Avast is one of such antivirus programs. If you are an Avast user, you can handle the VT-x is disabled in the BIOS for all CPU modes problem by unticking Enable hardware-assisted virtualization option in Menu > Settings > General > Troubleshooting.
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About The Author
Position: Columnist
Helen Graduated from university in 2014 and started working as a tech editor in the same year. Her articles focus on video creation, editing, and conversion. She also has a good knowledge of disk management and data backup & recovery. Through an in-depth exploration of computer technology, Helen has successfully helped thousands of users solve their annoying problems.