CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Virtualization and Cloud ComputingMedium
A technician attempts to install a 64-bit virtual machine using Type 2 hypervisor software on a workstation, but the software reports that hardware virtualization support is unavailable even though the CPU manufacturer's specifications confirm it is supported. What should the technician do first?
- AEnable Intel VT-x/AMD-V in the BIOS/UEFI settings
- BIncrease the amount of RAM allocated to the VM
- CInstall a different guest operating system
- DConvert the host to a Type 1 hypervisor
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Enable Intel VT-x/AMD-V in the BIOS/UEFI settings
Modern CPUs support hardware virtualization extensions such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V, but these must be enabled in the system's BIOS/UEFI before a hypervisor can use them to run 64-bit VMs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. RAM allocation does not affect whether virtualization extensions are enabled.
- C. Changing the guest OS will not resolve a hardware virtualization support issue.
- D. Switching to a Type 1 hypervisor does not solve a BIOS setting problem and requires a full OS reinstall.
CPU Virtualization Extensions
Hardware features (Intel VT-x, AMD-V) that must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI to allow hypervisors to run VMs efficiently, especially 64-bit guests.
- Often disabled by default in BIOS/UEFI
- Required for most modern hypervisors
- Check CPU spec sheet to confirm support
Memory trick: Unlock the CPU's hidden virtualization switch in BIOS before VMs will run.