What is Virtualization and why should I enable it?
Virtualization enables you to run a different operating system, such as Android, on your desktop/laptop. BlueStacks uses this virtual environment to provide you with a platform where you can play Android games and use various apps with ease. We highly recommend enabling Virtualization due to the various benefits it provides such as:
- 5x increase in performance
- Allows BlueStacks App Player to use more than 1 CPU core
- Eliminates FPS lag/stutter in various games.
- Games can be played at the highest graphical settings
What are the steps to enable Virtualization?
STEP 1: Check if Virtualization is supported on your desktop/laptop
STEP 2: Enter BIOS
STEP 3: Enable Virtualization
If Virtualization is not supported on your desktop/laptop, you can still use a Nougat 32-bit instance of BlueStacks. However, you may run into a few performance issues while playing.
How can I do this?
⏩ STEP 1: Check if Virtualization is supported
- Intel CPU: Download and install the Intel Processor Identification Utility and click on the CPU Technologies tab. A tick-mark before "Intel® Virtualization Technology" suggests Virtualization is supported on your desktop/laptop.
- AMD CPU: Download the AMD-V Detection Utility and extract the files. Right-click on the .exe file and select Run as administrator. You will be notified about the status of Virtualization on your desktop/laptop.
To learn more about how to check if Virtualization is supported and/or enabled on your desktop/laptop for BlueStacks 5, click here.
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⏩ STEP 2: Enter BIOS
How to enter BIOS in Windows 8
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Click on "Settings" and select "Change PC settings".
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Under the "General" tab, click on "Restart now".
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From the available options, click on "Troubleshoot" and then select "Advanced Options".
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Click on "UEFI Firmware Settings" and then select "Restart".
How to enter BIOS in Windows 8.1
- Open "PC settings" and go to the "Update and recovery" tab.
- Select "Recovery" and under Advanced Startup, click on "Restart now".
- From the available options, click on "Troubleshoot" and then select "Advanced Options".
- Click on "UEFI Firmware Settings" and then select "Restart".
If you're unable to find the UEFI settings, you can still enter your BIOS by pressing the "Access Key" when you first start your desktop/laptop. This Access Key will be provided by the manufacturer of your desktop/laptop however, for your convenience, we've written a few examples below:
If you cannot find your desktop/laptop manufacturer in this list, please check their official website.
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⏩ STEP 3: Enable Virtualization
For Intel CPUs
- Press the "F7" key or click on the "Advanced Mode" button.
- Head over to the "Advanced" tab and select "CPU Configuration".
- Go to "Intel Virtualization Technology" and click on "Disabled" to change it to "Enabled".
- Click on "Exit" and select "Save changes & reset" to enable Virtualization.
NOTE: The nomenclature may vary depending on your desktop/laptop model, but in all cases make sure to save before exiting.
For AMD CPUs
- Press the F7 key or click on the "Advanced Mode" button.
- Head over to the "Advanced" tab and select "CPU Configuration".
- Go to "SVM Mode" and select "Enabled" from the drop-down menu.
- Lastly, click on "Exit" and then on "OK" to apply the changes.
NOTE: Once you have entered the BIOS settings in your desktop/laptop, the steps for enabling Virtualization will vary according to the CPU you have i.e., Intel or AMD. The layout of BIOS Settings can also vary on various other factors such as your motherboard, chipset, computer model and OEM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use BlueStacks without enabling Virtualization?
A. We highly recommend enabling Virtualization to run BlueStacks smoothly and avoid unexpected behavior of the software and its services. However, if it is not working for some reason, you can still use BlueStacks Nougat 32-bit only, without enabling Virtualization. If you'd like to use BlueStacks Nougat 64-bit or Pie 64-bit, please enable Virtualization beforehand.
Q2. How can I check if Virtualization is enabled/disabled on my desktop/laptop?
A. To check if Virtualization is enabled/disabled on your desktop/laptop, simply press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. Click on the Performance tab and under CPU, you will find information about Virtualization on your desktop/laptop. If it says Enabled, then Virtualization is turned on. However, if it says Disabled, then Virtualization is turned off.
Q3. My BIOS settings look different. How do I proceed?
A. The layout of BIOS Settings can vary on various factors such as your motherboard, chipset, computer model and OEM. To learn how to enable Virtualization through BIOS based on the brand or manufacturer of your desktop/laptop, click here.
If you cannot find your desktop/laptop manufacturer in this list, please refer to your computer manufacturer's official website for support.
Q4. My desktop/laptop boots up too fast to press the BIOS entry key. What should I do?
A. You will need to disable Fast Startup on your desktop/laptop. To learn how to do this, click here.
Q5. My BlueStacks is lagging even after enabling VT. What should I do?
A. To enhance performance and resolve any lag-related issues, you can:
If the problem you're facing still persists, feel free to submit a problem report. Our Support staff will reach out to take a closer look at the problem.
Thank you for choosing BlueStacks! We hope you enjoy using it. Happy Gaming!