HP EliteBook 860 G9 - Virtualized Intel VT-x/EPT Not Supported on VMware, VirtualBox

[Ahmed_05]

Hello HP Support Community,

I am experiencing a persistent issue with my HP EliteBook 860 16-inch G9 with an Intel® Core™ i7-1260P Processor. Despite trying several solutions, virtualization does not work correctly on VMware, VirtualBox, or GNS3.

Problem Description:

• I am attempting to create a VM in VMware, VirtualBox with VT-x/EPT enabled.

• In all two platforms, I receive error when starting the vm ( this is in vmware ) :

  

  if i click yes :

  

  VM specs :

  

System Specifications:

• Laptop Model: HP EliteBook 860 16-inch G9

• Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1260P Processor (Intel Specifications)

• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (freshly reinstalled, up-to-date)

• BIOS Version: 

  

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

• Enabled all virtualization options in BIOS (Intel VT-x, VT-d).
• Verified in Task Manager that Virtualization is enabled.

• Updated BIOS to the latest version available for my device.
• Disabled Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform, and Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows Features.
• Disabled Windows Defender and Firewall.
• Disabled Secure Boot in BIOS.
• Reinstalled VMware, VirtualBox, and GNS3.
• Checked for BIOS and firmware updates.
• Completely reinstalled Windows 11 Pro.

Is there something I am missing or any solution for this issue? Could there be a BIOS setting, security option, or patch that could fix this?

Thank you for your help.

[Garp_senchau]

Hi @Ahmed_05,

Welcome to HP Support Community!

We noticed that this thread hasn't had any updates in a while since your original post; while this is rare, we didn't want this post to remain unanswered, so, here's the solution to your query. We hope it helps you and everyone viewing this post 😊

Thank you for sharing detailed information and screenshots — this is extremely helpful for diagnosing the issue.

Enable “Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT” in VMware settings

You already have this checked ✅ in your third image. Keep it that way.

But also ensure that the VM is using a compatible hardware version. You can try:

• Right-click the VM in VMware Workstation

• Select "Upgrade Virtual Hardware" → choose version 20 or higher

Also, make sure:

• Guest OS is set to Linux > Ubuntu 64-bit (for GNS3 VM)

• Memory and CPU are compatible with nested VM use (at least 2 CPUs and 2 GB RAM)

BIOS: HP G9 model may block EPT for VMware

Even though you enabled VT-x and VT-d, HP BIOS (especially on business laptops like EliteBooks) often silently restricts EPT pass-through unless specifically permitted.

Steps:

• In BIOS > Advanced > System Options → Confirm all 3 are checked:

  • ✅ Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

  • ✅ Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

  • ✅ Intel Hyper-Threading

If there’s an additional setting named “VMX Unrestricted” or anything specific to EPT, enable it.

Secure Core PC or Memory Integrity

On some HP business laptops, Microsoft "Core Isolation" and “Memory Integrity” can block low-level virtualization features.

Go to:

• Windows Security > Device Security > Core Isolation

• Turn Memory Integrity OFF (then reboot)

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved, and if you feel this reply was helpful, click “Yes”.

Thanks for being part of the HP Community!

Regards,