The answer is to enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the host’s BIOS/UEFI settings. This is correct because Hyper-V relies on hardware-assisted virtualization features built into the CPU; if these features are disabled at the firmware level, the hypervisor cannot initialize, causing the “hypervisor is not running” error even when the Hyper-V role is installed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that virtualization requires both a software role and hardware support—a common trap is assuming the issue is insufficient RAM or CPU count, when the root cause is a BIOS setting. Remember the memory tip: “BIOS before Boot”—always check firmware virtualization settings first when a VM fails to start with a hypervisor error.
220-1201 Virtualization Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a new VM for a developer who needs to test software on Windows 10. The host runs Hyper-V on Windows Server 2019. The developer requests that the VM have 8 GB RAM and 4 virtual CPUs. After creating the VM, the technician finds that the VM will not start and displays an error: 'The virtual machine could not be started because the hypervisor is not running.' What is the most likely solution?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Install the latest Windows updates and reboot the host.
Why wrong: Updates are unlikely to fix a missing hypervisor; the issue is a configuration problem.
B
Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the host’s BIOS/UEFI settings.
Hyper-V requires hardware virtualization extensions to be enabled. If they are disabled, the hypervisor cannot start, and enabling them resolves the issue.
C
Change the VM’s generation from Generation 2 to Generation 1.
Why wrong: VM generation affects boot firmware and features, not the hypervisor’s ability to run.
D
Reinstall the Hyper-V role from Server Manager.
Why wrong: If the role is installed, reinstalling it would not help; the issue is likely at the hardware level.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the host’s BIOS/UEFI settings.
Hyper-V requires the Windows Hyper-V role to be installed and the hardware virtualization features (VT-x/AMD-V) to be enabled in the BIOS. If the hypervisor is not running, it is often because virtualization is disabled in BIOS or the Hyper-V role is not properly configured. The correct answer addresses enabling virtualization in BIOS.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Install the latest Windows updates and reboot the host.
Why it's wrong here
Updates are unlikely to fix a missing hypervisor; the issue is a configuration problem.
✓
Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the host’s BIOS/UEFI settings.
Why this is correct
Hyper-V requires hardware virtualization extensions to be enabled. If they are disabled, the hypervisor cannot start, and enabling them resolves the issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the VM’s generation from Generation 2 to Generation 1.
Why it's wrong here
VM generation affects boot firmware and features, not the hypervisor’s ability to run.
✗
Reinstall the Hyper-V role from Server Manager.
Why it's wrong here
If the role is installed, reinstalling it would not help; the issue is likely at the hardware level.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Virtualization Concepts — This question tests Virtualization Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the host’s BIOS/UEFI settings. — Hyper-V requires the Windows Hyper-V role to be installed and the hardware virtualization features (VT-x/AMD-V) to be enabled in the BIOS. If the hypervisor is not running, it is often because virtualization is disabled in BIOS or the Hyper-V role is not properly configured. The correct answer addresses enabling virtualization in BIOS.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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