# Turn on virtualization for the Treecat agent

> The Treecat agent needs virtualization. Most PCs have it on and the app can enable the rest; here is how to switch it on in the BIOS when needed.

Source: https://wiki.treecat.io/turn-on-virtualization · Section: The Treecat agent · Updated: 2026-10-21

The Treecat agent runs a small, secure computer inside your PC to power your browser automations, and that needs a feature called virtualization to be switched on. On most computers it already is, and the Treecat app can turn on the rest for you. You only need to change a setting by hand when virtualization is switched off in your computer's BIOS.

## Most of the time, Treecat fixes it for you

If virtualization just needs to be switched on in Windows, the Treecat app shows an **Enable & restart** button.

1. Click **Enable & restart**.
2. Approve the Windows permission prompt.
3. Your PC restarts. After you sign back in, Treecat starts on its own. There is nothing else to do.

## How do I check whether virtualization is on?

1. Press **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the **Performance** tab and click **CPU**.
3. Look for **Virtualization**. If it says **Enabled**, your hardware is ready and Treecat can handle the rest.


## If Treecat says virtualization is off in your BIOS

Some computers ship with virtualization switched off at the hardware level, in a settings screen called the BIOS (or UEFI). No app can change this from inside Windows; it has to be turned on in that screen. It is a quick, safe, one-time change.

1. **Open the BIOS.** Restart the PC and, as it powers on, press the setup key repeatedly. It is usually **Del**, **F2**, **F10** or **Esc**; the exact key depends on your PC maker and often flashes on screen for a second. On Windows you can also go to **Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings**.
2. **Find the setting.** Look under Advanced, CPU Configuration or Security. It is called:
   - Intel processors: "Intel Virtualization Technology", "Intel VT-x" or "VMX"
   - AMD processors: "SVM Mode" or "AMD-V"
3. **Turn it on.** Change the value to **Enabled**, then choose **Save & Exit** (often the F10 key). The PC restarts.
4. **Open Treecat.** The agent starts automatically. You will not need to touch the BIOS again.

## Special cases

- **Cloud or remote PC (VPS or virtual desktop):** virtualization has to be allowed by your provider ("nested virtualization"). If it is not, the agent cannot run there. Use a regular Windows PC or Mac instead.
- **Work computer managed by an IT department:** the setting may be locked. Ask your IT team to enable virtualization (VT-x / SVM) in the BIOS.
- **Mac:** no setup needed. Treecat uses Apple's built-in virtualization automatically.

## Still stuck?

Treecat support is happy to walk you through it; it only takes a few minutes. Email support@treecat.io or book a call from the Help page in Treecat. See [Get help from Treecat support](https://wiki.treecat.io/get-help).