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How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI — A Step-by-Step Guide for Cloud Learners

#virtualization #windows #vm #cloud

If you’re learning about cloud computing, virtualization is a word you’ll hear a lot. It’s what lets one computer act like many, giving you virtual machines to run different operating systems or cloud environments. But before tools like VirtualBox or Docker can work properly on your system, virtualization needs to be turned on—and it starts in your BIOS or UEFI.

Don't worry if that sounds technical. This guide keeps things simple and walks you through every step so you can get virtualization working on your laptop or PC.

What Is Virtualization and Why You Need It

Virtualization lets one physical machine run many virtual systems. It's used for:

  • Creating virtual machines
  • Running emulators like Android Studio
  • Working with cloud platforms
  • Practicing container tools like Docker or Podman

If virtualization isn’t enabled, these tools won’t run right—or might not run at all.

How to Check If Virtualization Is Enabled

Before jumping into BIOS or UEFI, let’s check:

Windows users:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Click the Performance tab
  3. Select CPU → Look for “Virtualization: Enabled” or “Disabled”

Linux users (like Red Hat):

Run this in the terminal:

egrep -wo 'vmx|svm' /proc/cpuinfo
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  • vmx = Intel processor supports virtualization
  • svm = AMD processor supports virtualization If nothing shows up, your system might not support it.

Steps to Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

Important: Be careful in BIOS/UEFI. Use arrow keys and avoid changing other settings.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

You need to access BIOS/UEFI during startup. So first, restart.

Step 2: Enter BIOS/UEFI

When the screen first lights up, press the right key—usually one of:

Brand Key to press at startup
Dell F2 or Delete
HP Esc or F10
Lenovo F1 or F2
Acer F2
ASUS Delete or F2

You’ll see a setup screen. That’s your BIOS or UEFI.

Step 3: Find Virtualization Settings

Use arrow keys or mouse (in UEFI) to explore menus like:

  • Advanced
  • CPU Configuration
  • System Configuration
  • Security (sometimes)

Look for one of these:

  • Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
  • AMD-V
  • SVM Mode

Step 4: Enable It

When you find the setting:

  • Select it
  • Change it to Enabled
  • Save and exit (usually F10 or look for Save & Exit option)

Your system will restart.

Step 5: Confirm It’s Working

After reboot, check again:

  • Windows: Open Task Manager → Performance → CPU
  • Linux: Run egrep -wo 'vmx|svm' /proc/cpuinfo

Now virtualization should be enabled and ready.

What’s Next?

Once virtualization is turned on, you can:

  • Run VirtualBox or VMware for practice labs
  • Use Podman or Docker for containers
  • Learn how cloud servers manage virtual resources

Turning on virtualization is the first step in cloud learning—and now you’ve done it.

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