[Solved] AMD-V Is Disabled In The BIOS Error

Are you encountering the frustrating “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error when trying to start a virtual machine using VM VirtualBox? Rest assured, you’re not alone. Many users have reported facing this issue, which can occur on various operating systems, including Windows and Linux.

In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we will explore the possible causes of the AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS error and provide you with practical solutions to resolve it. Whether the issue lies in the BIOS settings, conflicting virtualization technologies, or VM configuration, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get your virtual machine up and running smoothly again.

Understanding the AMD-V is Disabled in the BIOS Error

Before we proceed with the troubleshooting methods, let’s briefly understand what causes the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error. Essentially, this error message indicates that your PC supports AMD-V, which is AMD’s hardware virtualization technology, but it is currently disabled in the BIOS settings or hindered by conflicting technologies like Microsoft Hyper-V.

Now, let’s explore the common culprits behind this error:

1. AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS settings: Your PC’s BIOS settings may have AMD-V disabled, preventing the virtual machine from utilizing this feature.
2. Microsoft Hyper-V interference: If Hyper-V is enabled, it automatically disables the built-in virtualization technology (AMD-V). You’ll need to disable Hyper-V to enable AMD-V.
3. Incompatible BIOS version for CPU cores: VM VirtualBox may throw the error if it’s forced to create a virtual machine with more than one CPU core, but your BIOS version does not support this configuration.
4. VM VirtualBox bug: In some cases, the error may occur on machines capable of supporting hardware virtualization technology, indicating a bug in VM VirtualBox.

Now that we have an overview of the possible causes, let’s delve into the troubleshooting methods to fix the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error.

Method 1: Enabling AMD-V from the BIOS Settings

The first method involves checking and enabling the AMD-V (Secure Virtual Machine Mode) setting in your computer’s BIOS. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start or restart your computer and look for the key required to access the BIOS settings. The key may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but it is typically one of the function keys (F2, F4, F8, F10, or F12) or the Del key.
2. Once you’re in the BIOS settings, navigate to the Advanced or CPU Configuration section. Look for an entry named “Secure Virtual Machine Mode” or a similar option that corresponds to AMD-V.
3. Ensure that the Secure Virtual Machine Mode is enabled. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
4. Perform a cold boot by completely powering off your machine and then starting it again.
5. Open VM VirtualBox and check if the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error is resolved.

Method 2: Disabling Windows Hyper-V

If you have Microsoft Hyper-V enabled, it can interfere with AMD-V and cause the error. Follow these steps to disable Hyper-V:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
2. In the Programs and Features window, click on “Turn Windows features On or Off” from the menu on the right-hand side.
3. Locate the Hyper-V entry and uncheck the box associated with it. Click OK to save the changes.
4. Restart your computer and check if the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error persists.

Method 3: Changing the Number of CPU Cores to 1

If the previous methods didn’t resolve the error, it’s possible that the number of CPU cores assigned to the virtual machine is causing the issue. Here’s how you can change the number of CPU cores to 1:

Open Oracle VM VirtualBox and right-click on the virtual machine that’s displaying the error. Select “Settings” from the context menu.

In the Settings window, go to the System tab and navigate to the Processor settings.

Adjust the slider associated with Processor(s) to 1 CPU. Click OK to save the changes.

Close the settings menu and restart the virtual machine. Check if the error is resolved.

Method 4: Changing the VM Version to Windows 7 or Windows 2003

In some cases, changing the specified version of the virtual machine to Windows 7 or Windows 2003 can help resolve the error. Here’s how you can do it:

Open VM VirtualBox and right-click on the virtual machine displaying the error. Select “Settings” from the context menu.

In the Settings window, go to the General submenu and click on the Basic tab.

Change the Version using the drop-down menu to either Windows 7 or Windows 2003. Click OK to save the changes.

Start the virtual machine again and check if the error persists.

By following these troubleshooting methods, you should be able to overcome the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error and run your virtual machines without any issues. Remember, it’s essential to check your BIOS settings, disable conflicting technologies like Hyper-V, adjust CPU core settings, or change the VM version if necessary.

In conclusion, virtualization allows us to create multiple virtual machines on a single computer, simplifying our computing experience. By addressing and resolving the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error, you can harness the power of AMD’s hardware virtualization technology and enjoy seamless virtual machine operations.

If you’re still encountering the error after trying these methods, it’s recommended to reach out to technical support or consult the official documentation for further assistance. Happy virtualizing!

Additional Information:

It’s worth noting that enabling AMD-V and resolving the “AMD-V is disabled in the BIOS” error might require a restart of the virtual machine and the host system. Additionally, ensure that you have the latest BIOS version installed on your computer to take advantage of any bug fixes or optimizations related to virtualization.

Remember, if you’re using other virtualization software or have specific hardware configurations, the troubleshooting steps may vary. Always refer to the software’s official documentation or seek guidance from technical support if you encounter any issues or need further clarification.