If you want to enable Windows Sandbox or use virtualization software like Hyper-V, VMWare, or VirtualBox, your system should support hardware virtualization. Let me show you how to find if your computer supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V a.k.a hardware virtualization.
In case you are wondering, if you are using an Intel CPU then the hardware virtualization is called Intel VT-X. If you are using an AMD CPU then it is called AMD-V.
A good rule of thumb is that if you bought a system in the last two to three years then it most likely supports hardware virtualization.
Method #1: Use Task Manager to Find If System Supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V
The easiest way to find out if Windows 10 supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V is to use the task manager. You see, the task manager gives you a lot of information about your system. This information includes but not limited to system performance, processes, startup applications, etc.
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager option. You can also press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the task manager.
2. In the task manager, go to the “Performance” tab and select “CPU” on the left panel. If the virtualization is supported and enabled. i.e, if the processor supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V, you will see “Enabled” next to Virtualization.
Method #2: Use the System Information Tool
Windows has a built-in application called System Information tool which gives you a ton of information about your system hardware, software, and drivers.
1. To open the System Information tool, press the Start button your keyboard, search for “System Information” and click on it.
2. In the System Information tool, scroll all the way down and you will see four Hyper-V entries. All these four Hyper-V entries should say “Yes” under the value section.
If it says Yes, your system has Intel VT-X or AMD-V support.
Method #3: Command to Check If System Supports Virtualization
You can also use the command prompt to see if your PC has Intel VT-X or AMD-V. In fact, we are going to use the same System Information tool via the command prompt.
1. Open the start menu, search for “Command Prompt” and open it. There is no need for admin privileges.
2. In the command prompt, type systeminfo
and press Enter. This will scan the system and lists all the details about your computer. Scroll all the way down and you should see Hyper-V requirements section. Next to it, all the four entries should say “Yes“.
If it says Yes, your system has Intel VT-X or AMD-V.
Method #4: Use Third-party Application
If the above methods did not work for some reason or if you are looking for an alternative way, you can use a free and portable tool called SecurAble. Let me show you how.
1. First, download SecurAble from the official website and open it. Being a portable application, there is no need to install the application. It just works when you double-click on the downloaded application.
2. As soon as you open the application, it will show a big “Yes” above “Hardware Virtualization” if your system supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V. If it says no, the hardware doesn’t support hardware virtualization or has it disabled.
That is all. It is that simple to find if the computer supports Intel VT-X or AMD-V. If you like this article, do check out how to find the system type. i.e, 32-bit or 64-bit.
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