Hardware virtualization is a processor and firmware feature used by technologies such as Hyper-V and other virtual-machine software. On a compatible Windows 10 PC, it is usually enabled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. The exact setting name and location depend on the PC or motherboard manufacturer.
Check Whether Virtualization Is Already Enabled
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select the Performance tab.
- Select CPU.
- Look for the virtualization status in the CPU details.
If virtualization is already enabled, you normally do not need to change the firmware setting.
Open the PC’s BIOS or UEFI Settings
The safest route is to use the procedure documented by your PC or motherboard manufacturer. Depending on the hardware, you may enter firmware during startup with a manufacturer-specific key or through Windows recovery/startup options.
Enable the Virtualization Setting
- Enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware using the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Find the processor or virtualization settings.
- Look for a hardware-virtualization option. Intel systems may use names such as Intel Virtualization Technology or Intel VT-x. AMD systems may use AMD-V or a manufacturer-specific name such as SVM Mode.
- Enable the appropriate CPU virtualization option.
- Save the firmware changes and restart the computer.
- Open Task Manager again and verify the virtualization status.
Do Not Change Unrelated Firmware Settings
Firmware menus vary significantly. Do not disable Secure Boot, change storage-controller modes, alter boot settings, or enable unrelated security/overclocking options just because they appear near the virtualization control. If you cannot identify the correct setting, consult the hardware manufacturer’s documentation.
Virtualization Does Not Automatically Install Hyper-V
Enabling CPU virtualization makes the hardware feature available, but Windows features and virtualization applications have their own requirements. Microsoft documents Hyper-V on Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise, with requirements that include a compatible 64-bit processor, SLAT, VM Monitor Mode extensions, sufficient memory, and firmware-enabled virtualization. Windows 10 Home does not include the Hyper-V role.
Check Hyper-V Requirements
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- Run systeminfo.exe.
- Review the Hyper-V Requirements section.
If a hypervisor is already running, Windows may report that a hypervisor has been detected instead of listing each requirement individually.
What If Virtualization Is Missing?
The processor or firmware may not support the feature, the manufacturer may use a different setting name, or a firmware update may affect available controls. Check documentation for the exact model rather than applying instructions written for a different motherboard.
Windows 10 Support Status
Support for standard Windows 10 version 22H2 ended on October 14, 2025. ESU programs and editions with different lifecycles can have different servicing status. If the PC is eligible for Windows 11, moving to a supported Windows release is generally the better long-term plan.
Summary
First check Task Manager. If virtualization is disabled, enter the BIOS/UEFI using your manufacturer’s instructions, enable the CPU virtualization feature, save the change, restart, and verify the result. Avoid changing unrelated firmware settings.