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Error in Windows Server: Virtual machine could not start because the hypervisor is not running

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This article helps fix an issue that you're unable to start virtual machines because of incorrect DEP setting in BIOS.

Applies to:   Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   2490458

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  1. You install the Hyper-V role on a computer that is running Windows Server.

  2. You create a virtual machine and attempt to start the virtual machine.

  3. You may see the following event ID:

    Log Name: Microsoft-Windows-Hyper-V-Worker-Admin
    Source: Microsoft-Windows-Hyper-V-Worker
    Event ID: 3112
    Level: Error
    Description:
    The virtual machine could not be started because the hypervisor is not running.

In this scenario, you're unable to start the virtual machine and receive the error message below:

Virtual machine could not start because the hypervisor is not running.

Cause

The Data Execution Prevention (DEP) setting isn't enabled in BIOS. For HP server, it's called "No Execute Memory Protection."

Resolution

To fix the issue, enable the DEP setting in BIOS.

More information

Hyper-V Installation Prerequisites