How to Check if Virtualization is Enabled on Windows 10/11

Setting up WSL 2, Docker, or a virtual machine but hitting errors because virtualization isn’t enabled? It’s a rookie mistake to skip this step. Checking if your PC has virtualization turned on takes less than a minute—and it’s the make-or-break deal for getting things running smoothly.

What’s Virtualization and Why Check It?

Virtualization (think Intel VT-x or AMD-V) lets software fake out hardware to create virtual OS environments. It’s gotta be enabled in your BIOS/UEFI and recognized by Windows to run stuff like:

WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
Hyper-V
VirtualBox, VMware
Android Emulator, Docker Desktop…

Problem is, lots of new PCs or laptops ship with it off by default, or tools like CCleaner can accidentally nuke it temporarily.

Check if Virtualization is Enabled/Disabled

1. Peek at Task Manager

Fastest way to scope it out.

Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to pop open Task Manager
Jump to the Performance tab
Click CPU, then check the bottom-right corner

📌 Virtualization: Enabled → You’re golden
📌 Disabled → It’s off or blocked in BIOS

Enable Virtualization Technology Lenovo — Screenshot of Windows virtualization settings

Note: No virtualization line? Your rig might not support VT, or the firmware’s locking it down.

2. Run systeminfo in PowerShell

Fire up PowerShell as Admin
Type:

systeminfo

Scroll to the bottom, hunt for:

Hyper-V Requirements: 
  VM Monitor Mode Extensions: Yes
  Virtualization Enabled In Firmware: Yes

If “Virtualization Enabled In Firmware” says Yes, you’re good. No? It’s off in BIOS.

3. Use System Information (MSINFO32)

Press Windows + R → type msinfo32
Look for: Hyper-V – Virtualization Enabled in Firmware: Yes

Yes → VT’s on, and you’re ready for Hyper-V or WSL 2.
No → Time to dig into BIOS and flip the switch.

4. No Virtualization Line at All?

Common on budget office PCs or stripped-down Windows installs (like Lite ISOs). Could be:

CPU doesn’t support VT
Firmware’s locked
Windows is gimped (e.g., Windows 10 Home doesn’t do Hyper-V)

Common Hiccups & Fixes

Issue	Why It’s Happening	How to Fix It
Virtualization: Disabled in Task Manager	VT’s off in BIOS	Reboot, enter BIOS/UEFI → Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V
No “Virtualization” line	Hardware doesn’t support it or Windows isn’t picking it up	Check CPU support with CPU-Z, update BIOS if needed
“Virtualization Enabled: No” in systeminfo	Hardware or BIOS-level disable	Manually enable in BIOS
WSL 2 won’t run despite VT enabled	Conflicting virtualization apps (e.g., old VirtualBox)	Update apps, enable Hyper-V Platform in Windows Features
VT disabled after using optimization tools	CCleaner or Glary Utilities messed with it	Re-check Windows Features, re-enable Hyper-V, or fix Registry

I once burned two hours chasing a WSL error just because VT got turned off after a BIOS reset. The error was vague as hell, no hints. Since then, checking virtualization is my first move when setting up a new machine or reinstalling Windows. It’s a quick check that saves you a boatload of headaches down the road.

If you need to enable virtualization, the following documents may be helpful:

How to Enable Virtualization Technology (VT) on Dell Computers
How to Enable VT (Virtualization Technology) on HP Desktops and Laptops (Intel & AMD)
How to Enable VT (Virtualization Technology) on ASUS PCs and Laptops
How to Enable VT (Virtualization Technology) on Lenovo PCs (2025 Update)