Fix VirtualBox Not Showing 64-bit Windows 10 Option

Published On - August 12, 2025

Olivia Brown Blog

If you’ve recently installed Oracle VirtualBox on your system and noticed that the option to create a 64-bit Windows 10 virtual machine is missing, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this frustrating limitation, and it usually stems from a few common issues related to system settings and configuration. This guide outlines the potential causes of the missing 64-bit option and walks through step-by-step solutions to help you get back on track.

Understanding the Root Cause

VirtualBox relies on hardware virtualization technologies such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V to support 64-bit guest operating systems. If these features are unavailable or disabled on your machine, VirtualBox will only display options for 32-bit systems. The issue largely revolves around a conflict or misconfiguration rather than a problem with VirtualBox itself.

Steps to Fix VirtualBox Not Showing 64-bit Windows 10 Option

Below are the primary troubleshooting steps that can resolve the missing 64-bit guest option:

1. Enable Hardware Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

The most common reason for the absence of 64-bit options in VirtualBox is that hardware virtualization is disabled in your BIOS or UEFI firmware.

  1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a designated key (often F2, Del, or Esc) during startup.
  2. Navigate to the CPU settings or a related subsection.
  3. Enable Intel VT-x (for Intel processors) or AMD-V (for AMD processors).
  4. Save the settings and reboot.

Once enabled, relaunch VirtualBox and check if the 64-bit option is now available.

2. Uninstall Conflicting Software

Other hypervisors like Hyper-V (built into Windows), VMware, or antivirus programs that use hardware-level scanning can interfere with VirtualBox’s access to virtualization features.

  • Turn off Microsoft Hyper-V by navigating to the Windows Features panel and unchecking “Hyper-V”.
  • If you have third-party AV or virtualization software installed, try disabling or uninstalling temporarily.
  • Restart your machine and recheck VirtualBox.

3. Use a 64-bit Compatible Host OS

It might seem obvious, but VirtualBox requires a 64-bit host OS to run 64-bit guest systems. If your current OS is 32-bit, you won’t see any 64-bit options in the guest list.

To check your OS version:

  • Open Settings > System > About.
  • Look under System type to confirm whether you’re running a 64-bit operating system.

4. Update VirtualBox

In some cases, outdated versions of VirtualBox may obscure 64-bit options, especially if a bug is present in the version you’re using.

  • Download the latest version of VirtualBox from the official website.
  • Uninstall the existing version completely, and then install the updated version.

5. Check Your CPU’s Compatibility

Not all older processors support hardware virtualization. Ensure your CPU supports VT-x or AMD-V. You can use third-party tools like CPU-Z or Intel’s Processor Identification Utility to confirm compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: Why is the 64-bit option missing even after enabling virtualization in BIOS?
    A: Other software like Hyper-V or virtual machine management features on Windows 10 Pro may still block access to VT-x/AMD-V. Make sure those are disabled.
  • Q: Can I run 64-bit guests with a 32-bit host environment?
    A: No, a 64-bit guest OS requires a 64-bit host OS and a compatible, virtualization-enabled CPU.
  • Q: Does VirtualBox support Windows 10 64-bit fully?
    A: Yes, as long as your host system supports virtualization and meets all requirements, VirtualBox supports 64-bit Windows 10 guests.
  • Q: Can enabling virtualization harm my computer?
    A: No. Enabling virtualization in BIOS/UEFI is safe and is a requirement for many virtualization platforms like VirtualBox and VMware Workstation.
  • Q: How can I tell if virtualization is already enabled?
    A: Open Task Manager, go to the Performance tab, and check the “Virtualization” status under CPU information.

By following these steps and ensuring your system is correctly configured, you’ll be able to unlock the 64-bit Windows 10 option in VirtualBox and start enjoying more powerful virtual machines with increased memory and performance capabilities.