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How to Enable AMD-V or Intel VT Virtualization on Linux for KVM VMs

May 7, 2025 | By the+gnu+linux+evangelist.

Enabling AMD-V and Intel VT Support on GNU/Linux for Optimal Virtualization Performance

Enabling AMD-V or Intel VT support on your GNU/Linux system is essential for running virtual machines efficiently using KVM. These are hardware-assisted virtualization technologies that significantly improve the performance and stability of virtualized environments.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to enable AMD-V or Intel VT support on your system, ensuring you can fully leverage virtualization on your Linux machine. Whether you are using Ubuntu, Fedora, or any other distribution, the process is similar and straightforward.

By enabling AMD-V or Intel VT, you will enjoy improved VM performance and take full advantage of KVM‘s features. Let’s get started!

How to Enable AMD-V or Intel VT Virtualization on Linux for KVM VMs

  1. 1. Installing KVM

    How to Get Started with KVM Virtualization on GNU/Linux

    KVM Linux Setup Guide

    Get a GUI for managing your virtual machines with Virt-Manager.

  2. 2. Check if AMD-V is Supported by Your CPU

    To check if your processor supports AMD-V (or Intel VT), run the following command in a terminal:

    lscpu | grep Virtualization

    If the output shows AMD-V (for AMD) or VT-x (for Intel), then your CPU supports virtualization.

  3. 3. Check if AMD-V is Enabled

    To verify if AMD-V (or Intel VT) is already enabled:

    egrep -c '(vmx|svm)' /proc/cpuinfo

    If the output is 1 or more, then virtualization is supported by your CPU.

  4. 4. Enable AMD-V or Intel VT in BIOS/UEFI

    If virtualization is not listed in the lscpu output, it’s likely disabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

    To enable it:

    • Reboot your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing DEL, F2, or ESC at startup).
    • Look for settings labeled SVM Mode (for AMD CPUs) or Intel VT-x / Intel Virtualization Technology.
    • Enable the relevant setting, then Save & Exit BIOS/UEFI.

    After rebooting, run: 

    lscpu | grep Virtualization
    To confirm it’s now active.

    Already have VMware or VirtualBox VMs? Convert them easily to KVM.