# Enable virtualization

Turn on the CPU feature needed to run customer virtual machines.

Status: ThinkCentre BIOS guidance · Firmware layouts vary


## You can enable this before installing Proxmox
CPU virtualization lets Proxmox run guest operating systems. Enabling it does not erase your files or install Proxmox. Save open work before restarting.

## Lenovo ThinkCentre steps
1. Restart the ThinkCentre with a keyboard and display attached.
2. Tap **F1** repeatedly when the Lenovo logo appears to enter BIOS Setup.
3. Open **Advanced → CPU Setup**. Find **Intel Virtualization Technology** and change it to **Enabled**. Some firmware versions place virtualization under **Security → Virtualization** instead.
4. Press **F10** to save and exit, confirming the save when prompted.
5. Let Windows start. Press **Ctrl + Shift + Esc**, open **Performance → CPU**, and look for **Virtualization: Enabled**. Choose **More details** first if Task Manager opens in its compact view.
6. Shut down and continue with the ComputerUse boot USB.

Names and menu locations vary by model and BIOS revision. VT-d/IOMMU controls device isolation and is separate from the CPU virtualization setting; enabling VT-d alone is not the same as enabling VT-x. A greyed-out setting may require the computer's BIOS administrator password. That password is separate from your ComputerUse enrollment code.

[Lenovo virtualization instructions](https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500006) · [Lenovo ThinkCentre CPU settings](https://docs.lenovocdrt.com/ref/bios/settings/thinkcentre/cpu_setup/).

## If F1 does not open BIOS
On supported UEFI installations, use Windows **Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart**. Windows 11 places Recovery under **Settings → System**. If UEFI Firmware Settings is absent, use the Lenovo startup key method.

## The boot USB checks the computer
The boot environment checks CPU virtualization support before installing. Firmware settings still need to be enabled using the computer's firmware interface. Final verification checks that the installed Proxmox host has working KVM.

## After virtualization is enabled
Continue with [Proxmox host setup](/docs/host-setup/). Boot the USB and select the exact internal disk to install. A successful firmware check does not mean the computer is ready for customer rentals.