How to Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware ESXi 7.0
VMware ESXi is a powerful virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. One of the key features of ESXi is the ability to enable nested virtualization, which allows you to run virtual machines within virtual machines.
However, nested virtualization is not enabled by default in VMware ESXi 7.0. In this article, we will show you how to enable nested virtualization in VMware ESXi 7.0 so you can take full advantage of this feature.
Step 1: Check CPU Support
The first step is to check if your CPU supports nested virtualization. Nested virtualization requires a CPU that supports Intel VT-x or AMD-V virtualization technology. You can check if your CPU supports nested virtualization by running the following command in the ESXi Shell:
esxcli hardware cpu global get
If the output shows that the CPU supports Intel VT-x or AMD-V, then you can proceed to the next step. If not, you may need to upgrade your CPU or use a different server that supports nested virtualization.
Step 2: Enable Nested Virtualization in BIOS
Once you have confirmed that your CPU supports nested virtualization, you need to enable this feature in the BIOS of your server. The exact steps to enable nested virtualization in the BIOS will depend on the manufacturer of your server. You can usually find this option under the CPU or Virtualization settings.
After enabling nested virtualization in the BIOS, save the changes and restart your server for the new settings to take effect.
Step 3: Enable Nested Virtualization in ESXi
Once nested virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, you need to enable it in VMware ESXi as well. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the vSphere Client and connect to your ESXi host.
2. Go to the Configure tab and select Advanced Settings.
3. In the Advanced Settings window, search for “VMX” and locate the VMX configuration option.
4. Click Edit and add a new line with the following value: “vhv.enable = true”.
5. Click OK to save the changes.
6. Restart your ESXi host for the new settings to take effect.
Once you have completed these steps, nested virtualization should be enabled in VMware ESXi 7.0. You can now create virtual machines within virtual machines and experiment with different configurations without any limitations.
With nested virtualization enabled, you can test and develop software in isolated environments, simulate complex network topologies, and even run virtualization software within virtual machines. The possibilities are endless!
So, if you want to take your virtualization skills to the next level, be sure to enable nested virtualization in VMware ESXi 7.0 and start exploring all the exciting possibilities it has to offer.