Thinkpads Forum

Hello everyone!

I bought 2 weeks ago a Lenovo Thinkpad W540, more precisely this model: https://www.backmarket.fr/lenovo-thinkp ... .html#?l=1
I have a question about virtualization. I use Qubes OS (https://www.qubes-os.org) installed on a SSD usb key and I would like to use it on my Thinkpad.
Except that I have a problem concerning virtualization, apparently I don't have Intel VT-d virtualization enabled. This option is not available in the bios (version 2.41).
However, I solved the problem on Qubes OS by directly changing the virtualization mode (PV instead of HVM), but it seems that Qubes OS doesn't have PCI access, so I have compatibility issues (especially with my network card). Is there a particular setting to make in the bios that I would not have done?
I have enabled VT-x virtualization, disabled Secure Boot, and put the bios in legacy.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Axel

Welcome to the forum.

The i7-4700MQ does not support VT-d, so you can't do proper PCI passthrough. If you enabled paravirtualization, then the hypervisor should be responsible for exposing a network card (virtio-net) and tying it to the physical card of the system.

Hello!
Thank you for your welcome.
Too bad! Still, Qubes OS works but it's a shame that VT-x is not available for my processor.

VT-x is available, VT-d isn't.

Yes, you are right.
Qubes OS is working, but I will not be able to run HVM (like Windows 10 for example), but it doesn't matter!
Thanks for your answer!