How to Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware Workstation Player/Pro

How to Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware Workstation Player/Pro

Nested virtualization allows you to run a virtual machine inside another virtual machine. This is useful for testing, development, or creating a virtual lab environment. VMware Workstation Player/Pro supports nested virtualization, but it needs to be enabled manually. Follow this detailed guide to enable nested virtualization in VMware Workstation Player/Pro.

*Step-by-Step Guide:*

*Step 1: Check System Requirements*

Before enabling nested virtualization, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
A CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
VMware Workstation Player or Pro installed.

*Step 2: Verify Virtualization Support in BIOS/UEFI*

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. The key to enter BIOS/UEFI varies by manufacturer (common keys are F2, F10, DEL, ESC).
2. Navigate to the CPU or Advanced settings.
3. Ensure that Intel VT-x or AMD-V is enabled. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

*Step 3: Enable Nested Virtualization in VMware Workstation*

1. *Open VMware Workstation:*
Launch VMware Workstation Player or Pro.

2. *Create or Open a Virtual Machine:*
Either create a new virtual machine or open an existing one where you want to enable nested virtualization.

3. *Power Off the Virtual Machine:*
Ensure the virtual machine is powered off before making changes.

4. *Edit the Virtual Machine Settings:*
Right-click on the virtual machine and select `Settings`.

5. *Add Configuration File Settings:*
Click on `Options` tab.
In the left pane, select `Advanced`.
Click on `Configuration Parameters...`.
In the Configuration Parameters window, click `Add Row`.

6. *Add the Following Parameters:*
*Parameter:* `hypervisor.cpuid.v0`
*Value:* `FALSE`
*Parameter:* `vhv.enable`
*Value:* `TRUE`

7. *Save and Close:*
Click `OK` to save the changes and close the Configuration Parameters window.
Click `OK` again to close the Virtual Machine Settings.

*Step 4: Edit the .VMX File (if necessary)*

If the above steps do not enable nested virtualization, you might need to edit the .vmx file directly.

1. *Locate the .VMX File:*
Navigate to the directory where your virtual machine is stored.
Find the .vmx file for your virtual machine.

2. *Edit the .VMX File:*
Open the .vmx file with a text editor (e.g., Notepad).
Add or modify the following lines:

```text
hypervisor.cpuid.v0 = "FALSE"
vhv.enable = "TRUE"
```

3. *Save and Close:*
Save the changes and close the text editor.

*Step 5: Verify Nested Virtualization*

1. *Power On the Virtual Machine:*
Start the virtual machine.

2. *Install a Nested Hypervisor (Optional):*
If you plan to run a nested hypervisor (e.g., VMware ESXi, Hyper-V), install it inside the virtual machine.

3. *Verify Virtualization Support:*
Inside the virtual machine, check if virtualization support is enabled. For Linux, you can use the command:

```bash
lscpu | grep Virtualization
```

For Windows, you can check the system information or use tools like CPU-Z.

*Conclusion:*

By following these steps, you have successfully enabled nested virtualization in VMware Workstation Player/Pro. This allows you to create complex virtual environments and run virtual machines inside virtual machines for testing, development, or learning purposes.

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