Guru Meditation: Vmbox's Calm Before The Storm

The Guru Meditation error message is displayed by VirtualBox when a critical error has occurred while running a virtual machine, and the machine's execution has been stopped. This error can occur when VMs are run on another virtualisation platform such as Docker Desktop, KVM, Multipass, VMware, or Hyper-V. To resolve the issue, close any running VMs on other virtualisation platforms and reboot your computer before attempting to run VMs in VirtualBox.

The error may occur when using Windows guests in VirtualBox

The "Guru Meditation" error message is a critical error that occurs when running a virtual machine, and it can be caused by various issues. This error can occur when using Windows guests in VirtualBox, and there are several potential solutions.

One potential cause of the error is third-party antivirus software such as AVG or Avast, which can interfere with VirtualBox's functionality. Removing such software may resolve the issue. Additionally, checking for updates for your BIOS and installing them if available is recommended, as this has been known to fix the "Guru Meditation" error for some users.

Another possible cause of the error is the Windows Memory Integrity feature, which can be found in Windows Security > Core Isolation in the settings. Disabling this feature and rebooting the host system may resolve the issue.

Upgrading VirtualBox to the latest version is also recommended, as updates often include bug fixes that can resolve compatibility issues and improve stability.

If none of these solutions work, checking the VirtualBox forums and community resources for specific error codes and workarounds is advised.

The issue could be caused by VT-x/AMD-v being used by something on the host

The "Guru Meditation" error message on VirtualBox can occur when something on the host machine is using VT-x/AMD-v, preventing VirtualBox from accessing it. This issue has been associated with the use of certain antivirus software, such as AVG or Avast. In such cases, removing the antivirus software may resolve the problem.

Additionally, the Windows Memory Integrity feature on the host laptop could be a contributing factor. Disabling this feature, rebooting the host system, and then attempting to rerun the virtual machine may help address the issue.

It is also worth noting that some users have reported that upgrading VirtualBox from version 6 to version 7 resolved the "Guru Meditation" error. This suggests that keeping VirtualBox up to date can help prevent or fix such issues.

In some instances, the problem may lie with the host machine's BIOS. Updating the BIOS can potentially resolve the conflict with VT-x/AMD-v and allow VirtualBox to function properly.

Furthermore, the "Guru Meditation" error can surface after updates or kernel changes on the host machine. Rolling back the kernel version or downgrading to a previous version that was compatible with VirtualBox might be a solution in such cases.

It is important to investigate the specific software and hardware configurations, as well as recent changes made to the system, to pinpoint the exact cause of the "Guru Meditation" error related to VT-x/AMD-v usage by something on the host.

The Windows Memory Integrity feature may be enabled on the host laptop

The Windows Memory Integrity feature is a Virtualization-based security (VBS) feature available on Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2016 and higher. It safeguards your system against malicious attacks by creating an isolated virtual environment that becomes the root of trust of the OS, assuming the kernel can be compromised.

Memory Integrity is a critical component that protects Windows by running kernel mode code integrity within the isolated virtual environment of VBS. It also restricts kernel memory allocations that could be used to compromise the system. This feature is particularly useful when using a virtual machine, as it can protect against malware running in the guest virtual machine.

If the Windows Memory Integrity feature has been enabled on the host laptop, it may be the cause of the "Guru Meditation" error message. This is because VirtualBox cannot use VT-x/AMD-v if something on the host is already using it.

To resolve this issue, you can try disabling the Windows Memory Integrity feature, rebooting the host system, and then attempting to rerun the virtual machine. Here are the steps to disable Memory Integrity:

• Click the Windows Start button and type Windows Security in the search bar.
• Click on the Windows Security app from the search results.
• Click on the Device Security option in the Windows Security app.
• Click on the Core isolation details link under the Core isolation section.
• Toggle off the Memory integrity option.
• Restart your device to apply the changes.

It is important to note that by disabling Memory Integrity, you may be reducing the security of your system. Therefore, it is recommended to keep this feature enabled if possible and only disable it as a temporary solution to the "Guru Meditation" error.

Additionally, you can try updating VirtualBox to the latest version, as some users have reported that this resolved the "Guru Meditation" error for them.

The issue may be caused by running VMs in another virtualisation platform, such as Docker Desktop or KVM

When using VirtualBox, you may encounter the "Guru Meditation" error, which indicates that something is already using VT-x/AMD-v on your host machine, preventing VirtualBox from using it. This can be caused by certain antivirus software or the Windows Memory Integrity feature being enabled on your host laptop.

One possible cause of the "Guru Meditation" error is running virtual machines (VMs) on another virtualisation platform simultaneously, such as Docker Desktop or KVM. This can lead to resource contention, where the VMs compete for CPU, memory, and storage resources, resulting in performance degradation or instability.

To address this issue, it is essential to monitor resource usage and adjust the allocation according to the workload and priority of each VM. This can be achieved using tools like VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V. Proper planning, regular monitoring, and effective resource management are crucial to optimising performance and maintaining stability in a multi-VM environment.

Additionally, isolating the VMs from each other and the host machine is important to mitigate security risks. Techniques such as firewalls, encryption, network segmentation, and antivirus software can be employed to enhance security and prevent potential compromises from affecting other VMs or the host system.

The BIOS may need to be updated

Updating your BIOS can be a tricky process and is not recommended unless your PC is malfunctioning or you are looking to add new hardware. BIOS updates can allow you to use new hardware or address stability issues with existing hardware.

If you are experiencing issues with your VMBox, updating your BIOS could be a potential solution. However, it is important to note that updating your BIOS will not boost the performance of your system and is not recommended for systems that are operating normally.

Before updating your BIOS, it is crucial to back up your personal files and research recovery options in case of BIOS corruption during the update process. The update process typically involves downloading new driver files from the manufacturer's website, extracting them, transferring them to a properly formatted USB drive, and then restarting your PC to access the BIOS menu during the boot process.

To update your BIOS, first, identify your motherboard manufacturer and model. You can find this information in Windows by pressing the Windows key and typing "msinfo". Once you have this information, navigate to the manufacturer's website and locate the product support page for your specific motherboard model. Here, you should find the latest BIOS update files and instructions on how to perform the update.

It is important to closely follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when updating your BIOS to avoid any potential issues.

Frequently asked questions