Docker for Windows Error – Hardware Assisted Virtualization and Data Execution Protection Must be Enabled in the BIOS

Docker for Windows is a powerful tool that allows developers to create, deploy, and manage containerized applications.

However, during the installation or launch of Docker for Windows, you may encounter an error stating, “Hardware assisted virtualization and data execution protection must be enabled in the BIOS.”

This error typically indicates that the necessary hardware virtualization features are disabled in your computer’s BIOS settings.

In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk you through the steps to enable hardware virtualization and data execution protection in the BIOS, enabling you to use Docker for Windows without any issues.

Understanding the Error Message

When Docker for Windows encounters the error “Hardware assisted virtualization and data execution protection must be enabled in the BIOS,” it means that your computer’s BIOS settings need to be adjusted to enable hardware virtualization features.

Accessing the BIOS Setup

To access the BIOS setup on your computer, follow these general steps:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Look for a specific key or key combination to access the BIOS during the startup process. Common keys are F2, Del, Esc, or F10. The specific key may vary depending on your computer manufacturer.
3. Press the appropriate key repeatedly until the BIOS setup utility opens.

Enabling Hardware Assisted Virtualization

Within the BIOS setup utility, you need to locate and enable the hardware assisted virtualization feature. The steps may differ slightly based on your computer’s BIOS version and manufacturer. Here’s a general set of steps. You must look up specific instructions for your hardware:

1. Navigate to the “Advanced” or “CPU Configuration” section in the BIOS setup.
2. Look for an option named “Virtualization Technology,” “Intel Virtualization Technology,” or “AMD-V.” Enable this option. Note: The naming and location of this option may vary depending on your computer’s BIOS.

Enabling Data Execution Protection (DEP)

In addition to hardware virtualization, Data Execution Protection (DEP) needs to be enabled in the BIOS. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the “Security” or “System Security” section in the BIOS setup.
2. Look for an option called “Execute Disable Bit,” “Data Execution Prevention,” or “XD Technology.” Enable this option.

Saving BIOS Settings and Restarting

Once you have enabled hardware virtualization and DEP, save the changes and exit the BIOS setup:

1. Look for an option to “Save and Exit” or “Exit” in the BIOS setup.
2. Choose the option to save the changes and exit the BIOS.
3. Your computer will restart.

Verifying Hardware Virtualization Support

After restarting, you can verify if hardware virtualization is now enabled on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. Open a command prompt window.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   systeminfo

3. Look for the line that says “Virtualization Enabled in Firmware” or “Virtualization Enabled.” If it displays “Yes,” hardware virtualization is now enabled.

Launching Docker for Windows

Now that hardware virtualization and DEP are enabled, you can proceed to launch Docker for Windows:

1. Open Docker for Windows.
2. It should now start without displaying the “Hardware assisted virtualization and data execution protection must be enabled in the BIOS” error.

Wrapping Up

By following the steps outlined in this troubleshooting guide, you can enable hardware assisted virtualization and data execution protection in the BIOS, allowing you to use Docker for Windows without encountering the error message.

Remember to access the BIOS setup, enable hardware virtualization and DEP, save the changes, and restart your computer. Finally, verify hardware virtualization support and launch Docker for Windows.

With these adjustments, you can seamlessly utilize Docker for Windows and harness the power of containerization for your development workflows.

Sources:

• Docker for Windows error: “Hardware assisted virtualization and data execution protection must be enabled in the BIOS”
• https://forums.docker.com/t/hardware-assisted-virtualization-and-data-execution-protection-must-be-enabled-in-the-bios/109073