VirtualBox error, This kernel requires an x86-64 CPU, but only detected an i686 CPU. Unable to boot - please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU., Virtualization

VirtualBox error, This kernel requires an x86-64 CPU, but only detected an i686 CPU. Unable to boot - please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU.

ID: 392

Added: 10th of May 2025

Views: 36

I recently ran in to an issue trying to install Fedora 42 using VirtualBox on Linux. When I tried booting the OS, I received the following error:

This kernel requires an x86-64 CPU, but only detected an i686 CPU. Unable to boot - please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU.

This issue can be easily resolved by stopping your Virtual machine, going in to Settings >> General, then under Version
selecting Other/Unknown(64-bit) from the menu. You should now be able to boot/install your OS.

Virtual Box settings, select version.