How to Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware
If you’re using VMware virtualization software, you may want to enable nested virtualization to run a virtual machine (VM) inside another VM. This can be useful for testing software or creating isolated environments for development. Enabling nested virtualization allows you to run virtualization software like VMware Workstation, VMware Player, or VMware Fusion inside a virtual machine created in VMware ESXi or vSphere. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to enable nested virtualization in VMware.
Check Hardware Requirements
Before you can enable nested virtualization in VMware, you need to make sure your hardware supports this feature. Nested virtualization requires CPU virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V). You also need a processor that supports Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) for optimal performance. Most modern CPUs support these features, but it’s a good idea to check your system’s specifications to confirm.
Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware Workstation
If you’re using VMware Workstation, follow these steps to enable nested virtualization:
- Shut down any running virtual machines in VMware Workstation.
- Open the VMware Workstation application.
- Go to Edit > Preferences.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Check the box next to “Enable Nested Virtualization (Intel VT-x/AMD-V).”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
After enabling nested virtualization in VMware Workstation, you can create a new virtual machine to test nested virtualization.
Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware ESXi or vSphere
If you’re using VMware ESXi or vSphere, you can enable nested virtualization using the command line interface (CLI). Here’s how:
- Connect to your ESXi host or vSphere server using SSH or a remote console.
- Edit the VM’s configuration file (VMX) using a text editor like vi or nano.
- Add the following lines to the VMX file:
vhv.enable = "TRUE" - Save the changes to the VMX file.
- Restart the VM to apply the changes.
Once nested virtualization is enabled in VMware ESXi or vSphere, you can create a new virtual machine with nested virtualization support.
Conclusion
Enabling nested virtualization in VMware allows you to run virtual machines inside virtual machines, opening up a world of possibilities for testing and development. Whether you’re using VMware Workstation, ESXi, or vSphere, the process to enable nested virtualization is straightforward. With the right hardware and software configurations, you can create nested virtual environments to meet your specific needs.