Fix 'VT-x is not available' Error in VirtualBox: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Checking computer's virtualization support
3. Enabling hardware virtualization in BIOS
4. Disabling other Windows virtualization components
5. Disabling core isolation features
6. Removing other virtualization applications
7. Reinstalling VirtualBox
8. Summary
9. Conclusion

Complete Guide to Fixing VTX is Not Available Error in VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. However, sometimes users encounter an error message stating "VTX is not available" when trying to use VirtualBox in Windows. In this article, we will provide a complete guide to fixing this error step-by-step.

Introduction

VirtualBox enables users to create and manage virtual machines on their computers. However, to use VirtualBox efficiently, it is essential to ensure that hardware virtualization is supported by your computer. In this guide, we will go through various solutions to fix the "VTX is not available" error.

1. Checking computer's virtualization support

The first step in resolving the "VTX is not available" error is to check if your computer supports virtualization. To do this, right-click on the start button and click on "Task Manager." In the Task Manager window, click on the "Performance" tab and then on your CPU. Look for the "Virtualization" section and ensure that it is enabled. If it is disabled or not Mentioned, it means that your computer does not support virtualization.

Pros:

• Allows verification of computer's virtualization support quickly
• Provides a clear indication of virtualization availability

Cons:

• May require a computer restart to apply changes

2. Enabling hardware virtualization in BIOS

If your computer supports virtualization, the next step is to enable hardware virtualization in the BIOS settings. To access BIOS settings, restart your computer and look for the key or key combination required to enter BIOS. In most cases, pressing the Escape key or using the Shift key while clicking on the restart button can open the boot menu, allowing access to BIOS settings. Once in the BIOS setup, navigate to the "Advanced" tab and look for options related to virtualization. Enable the "Intel Virtualization Technology" or similar option. Additionally, if there is an "VTD" option, enable it as well. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Pros:

• Provides detailed instructions on accessing BIOS settings
• Enables users to enable hardware virtualization efficiently

Cons:

• BIOS settings may vary depending on the computer manufacturer

3. Disabling other Windows virtualization components

Windows includes multiple optional virtualization features that may conflict with VirtualBox. To ensure proper functioning of VirtualBox, it is necessary to disable these components. Open the Start menu and type "appwiz.cpl" and hit Enter. In the window that opens, click on "Turn Windows features on or off." Scroll down and uncheck "Virtual Machine Platform" and "Windows Subsystem for Linux." Leave the "Windows Hypervisor Platform" feature enabled. Click on OK and restart your computer.

Pros:

• Provides clear instructions to disable conflicting virtualization components
• Ensures that VirtualBox operates without conflicts

Cons:

• Disabling certain Windows features may impact other virtualization applications

4. Disabling core isolation features

Windows uses virtualization technology to offer security features through the Windows Security app. However, these features can conflict with other virtualization applications like VirtualBox. To resolve this conflict, it is necessary to disable the core isolation features. Open the Start menu and search for "Windows Security" and open the app. Click on "Device security" and then on "Core isolation details." Turn off "Memory Integrity" and close the Windows Security app. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Pros:

• Provides a solution to conflicts between VirtualBox and Windows core isolation features
• Enhances the overall stability of VirtualBox

Cons:

• Disabling certain security features may have implications on system security

5. Removing other virtualization applications

If the previous steps did not resolve the "VTX is not available" error, it is recommended to remove any other virtualization applications installed on your computer. These applications might conflict with VirtualBox, causing the error. Open the installed apps list and locate VirtualBox. Uninstall it and then download the latest version of VirtualBox from the official website. Reinstall VirtualBox and check if the error is resolved.

Pros:

• Provides a solution to conflicts between VirtualBox and other virtualization applications
• Ensures a clean installation of VirtualBox

Cons:

• Removing other virtualization applications may impact their functionality

6. Summary

In summary, encountering the "VTX is not available" error while using VirtualBox can be frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Start by checking your computer's virtualization support, enabling hardware virtualization in the BIOS, disabling other Windows virtualization components, disabling core isolation features, removing other virtualization applications, and reinstalling VirtualBox if necessary.

7. Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in fixing the "VTX is not available" error in VirtualBox. By carefully following the steps provided, you can overcome this issue and enjoy seamless virtualization on your computer. If you have any questions or have other solutions that worked for you, please share them in the comments section below. Thank you for reading and happy virtualizing!

Highlights:

• Comprehensive guide to resolving the "VTX is not available" error in VirtualBox
• Step-by-step instructions on checking computer's virtualization support
• Detailed guide on enabling hardware virtualization in BIOS settings
• Instructions for disabling conflicting Windows virtualization components
• Solution for disabling core isolation features to resolve conflicts
• Recommendation to remove other virtualization applications if necessary
• Summary and conclusion with a call to share additional solutions in the comments

FAQ:

Q: What is the "VTX is not available" error in VirtualBox? A: The "VTX is not available" error is encountered when trying to use VirtualBox in Windows and indicates that the computer does not support virtualization or that there is a conflict with other virtualization components.

Q: How can I check if my computer supports virtualization? A: Right-click on the start button, click on "Task Manager," go to the "Performance" tab, click on your CPU, and check if virtualization is enabled under the "Virtualization" section.

Q: Can I enable hardware virtualization in the BIOS settings? A: Yes, you can access the BIOS settings by restarting your computer and pressing the appropriate key or key combination. Look for options related to virtualization, enable them if necessary, and save the changes.

Q: Why should I disable other Windows virtualization components? A: Disabling other virtualization components ensures that VirtualBox operates without conflicts. Certain components may interfere with VirtualBox's functionality.

Q: What are core isolation features in Windows Security? A: Core isolation features in Windows Security use virtualization technology to offer security features. Disabling these features can resolve conflicts with other virtualization applications like VirtualBox.

Resources:

• VirtualBox Official Website
• VMware Workstation Official Website