Ensure that your processor supports EM64T and VT.
All Intel Xeon processors feature:
- Intel Virtualization Technology
- Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology
- Execute Disable Bit
Microsoft offers the Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool. For more information, see the
Microsoft Download Center.
You can check your processor's compatibility on the
Intel Website.
Note: Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT), Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT), and Intel 64 architecture require a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers, and applications designed for these features. Performance varies depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.
Note: Intel EM64T requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers, and applications enabled for Intel EM64T. The processor does not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel EM64T-enabled BIOS. Performance varies depending on your hardware and software configurations. Intel EM64T-enabled operating systems, BIOS, device drivers, and applications may not be available. For more information, including details on which processors support Intel EM64T, see the
Intel 64 Architecture page or consult your system vendor for more information.
After you have confirmed that your processor supports VT, you may need to enable the support:
- VT must be enabled in the host system BIOS. The feature may be named VT, Vanderpool Technology, Virtualization Technology, VMX, or Virtual Machine Extensions. Often, you find this setting under a Security screen in the BIOS. The location of this setting varies depending on the system vendor.
- The VT setting is locked (either on or off) at power on. After enabling VT in your system BIOS, you can first save your changes to the BIOS settings and then turn off power to the system. When you turn the system on again, your changes take effect. If you simply reboot the system without turning it off, VT is not enabled.
- After you have power-cycled the system, confirm that your system is capable of running 64-bit guests by following one of these methods:
- Boot from a CD containing the CPU Compatibility Tool. This is included on the ESX Server 3.x CD-ROM in
/images/cpuid.iso
or can be downloaded from the VMware Shared Utilities page.
Notes: - For ESXi/ESX hosts, see Determining if Intel Virtualization Technology or AMD Virtualization is enabled in the BIOS without rebooting (1011712).
- Some system vendors ship VT-capable systems without the ability to enable VT in the system BIOS. If you cannot find a way to enable VT in the system BIOS, contact your system vendor. An updated BIOS may be available.
- Some laptops require a total power discharge to enable VT extensions once you have set it in the BIOS. To do this, disconnect the external power, and remove the battery from the laptop. Then press the power button on the device to drain all power. Once this is done, replace the battery and reconnect the external power, and verify you are able to utilize the extensions.
Note: The preceding links were correct as of February 11, 2013. If you find a link is broken, provide feedback and a VMware employee will update the link.