How To Enable 64-bit Version Option in VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is a popular open-source virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. One of the key features of VirtualBox is the ability to create and run 64-bit virtual machines. However, sometimes the option to enable the 64-bit version may not be available by default. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox.

Verify Your Processor

Before proceeding, it's important to ensure that your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of an operating system. To do this, open the System Information tool on your computer. On Windows, you can access this tool by typing "System Information" into the search bar on the Start menu. On macOS, open the Apple menu, click on "About This Mac," and then click on "System Report."

Once you have opened the System Information tool, look for the Processor field. If it says "x64-based Processor," then your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of an operating system. If it says "x86-based Processor," then your processor is only capable of running a 32-bit version of an operating system.

Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Before you can enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox, you need to ensure that virtualization is enabled in your computer's BIOS. Virtualization is a technology that allows virtual machines to run more efficiently by accessing the processor's hardware directly.

To enable virtualization in your BIOS, restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS setup utility. The key to enter the BIOS setup utility may vary depending on your computer's manufacturer, but it is typically one of the function keys (F1, F2, F10, etc.) or the Delete key. Consult your computer's documentation for more information.

Once you are in the BIOS setup utility, look for an option called "Virtualization," "Intel Virtualization Technology," or something similar. Enable this option and save your changes before exiting the BIOS setup utility.

Install VirtualBox Extension Pack

VirtualBox Extension Pack is a set of additional features and tools that can enhance the functionality of VirtualBox. It is required to enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox.

To install the VirtualBox Extension Pack, open VirtualBox and go to File > Preferences. Click on the Extensions tab and then click on the "Download" button to download the latest version of the Extension Pack. Once the download is complete, double-click on the downloaded file to install it.

Enable 64-bit Version Option in VirtualBox

Now that you have verified that your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of an operating system, enabled virtualization in your BIOS, and installed the VirtualBox Extension Pack, you can finally enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox.

To do this, open VirtualBox and select the virtual machine that you want to enable the 64-bit version option for. Click on the "Settings" button and then click on the "System" tab. Under the "Processor" tab, check the box next to "Enable PAE/NX" and "Enable VT-x/AMD-V." These options are required to enable the 64-bit version option.

Finally, select the "Version" drop-down menu and choose the 64-bit version of the operating system that you want to install. Click on "OK" to save your changes.

Some of the benefits of running a 64-bit operating system in a virtual environment include improved performance and access to more memory. 64-bit operating systems can address more memory than 32-bit operating systems, which can be useful for running memory-intensive applications and workloads.

Additionally, some software and applications may require a 64-bit operating system to run properly. By enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox, you can ensure that you have access to the latest software and applications that require a 64-bit operating system.

Another benefit of running a 64-bit virtual machine is the ability to run multiple 64-bit virtual machines on the same computer. This can be useful for developers and IT professionals who need to test and deploy software and applications on different operating systems.

It's important to note that enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox may not be necessary for all users. If you only need to run a 32-bit operating system or applications, then there is no need to enable this option.

Enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. However, it's important to note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the version of VirtualBox you are using and the operating system you are running.

To enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox, you will need to ensure that your computer and processor support virtualization technology and that it is enabled in your computer's BIOS settings. You will also need to download and install the appropriate version of VirtualBox for your operating system.

Once you have installed VirtualBox, you can follow these steps to enable the 64-bit version option −

• Open VirtualBox and select the virtual machine you want to enable the 64-bit version option for.

• Click on the "Settings" button to open the virtual machine settings.

• In the settings window, click on the "System" tab.

• Under the "Motherboard" section, check the "Enable I/O APIC" option.

• Under the "Processor" section, check the "Enable PAE/NX" option.

• Under the "Acceleration" section, check the "Enable VT-x/AMD-V" option.

• Click on the "OK" button to save the changes and exit the settings window.

Once you have enabled these options, you should be able to select the 64-bit version option when creating a new virtual machine or modifying an existing one.

If you have followed the steps to enable the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox and are still unable to run a 64-bit virtual machine, it's possible that your computer's processor does not support virtualization technology or that it is not enabled in your computer's BIOS settings.

To check if your processor supports virtualization technology, you can download and run a utility such as CPU-Z or Speccy. These utilities will provide detailed information about your computer's hardware, including whether or not your processor supports virtualization technology.

If your processor does support virtualization technology, you will need to enable it in your computer's BIOS settings. To do this, you will need to restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. The specific steps to enter the BIOS settings may vary depending on your computer's manufacturer, so you may need to consult your computer's documentation or do a quick online search to find the correct steps.

Once you have entered the BIOS settings, look for an option that enables virtualization technology. This option may be located under the "Advanced" or "CPU" settings, depending on your computer's manufacturer. Once you have found the option, enable it and save the changes before exiting the BIOS settings.

After enabling virtualization technology in your computer's BIOS settings, restart your computer and try enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox again. If everything is configured correctly, you should be able to run a 64-bit virtual machine without any issues.

It's worth noting that enabling virtualization technology in your computer's BIOS settings may not be a straightforward process, especially if you're not familiar with BIOS settings. If you're unsure about how to enable virtualization technology in your computer's BIOS settings, it's recommended that you consult your computer's documentation or contact your computer's manufacturer for assistance.

Another thing to keep in mind when enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox is that it may require more resources than running a 32-bit virtual machine. Specifically, running a 64-bit virtual machine may require more RAM and processing power than running a 32-bit virtual machine. As such, it's important to ensure that your computer has enough resources to support a 64-bit virtual machine.

Conclusion

Enabling the 64-bit version option in VirtualBox is a straightforward process. By verifying your processor, enabling virtualization in your BIOS, installing the VirtualBox Extension Pack, and enabling the required options in VirtualBox, you can run a 64-bit version of an operating system in a virtual machine. It is important to note that not all computers and processors are capable of running a 64-bit version of an operating system, so it's important to check your hardware specifications before attempting to enable this option.