How to Fix vGPU and vVTd Conflict in VMware ESXi – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

When deploying GPU-accelerated virtual machines in VMware ESXi, many admins encounter the frustrating error caused by a vGPU and vVTd conflict. This issue prevents proper use of GPU passthrough and can block advanced workloads such as AI/ML, CAD, and 3D rendering.

In this guide, we’ll explain why the vGPU and vVTd conflict happens, how to fix it with BIOS and ESXi settings, and share best practices to ensure smooth virtualization performance.

I received an urgent alert — a virtual machine failed to add a GPU, showing the error:

“Virtual machines using vGPU devices do not support VVTD.”

Why vGPU and vVTd Conflict in VMware ESXi

The conflict usually occurs when Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O (vVTd) is enabled at the same time as vGPU assignments. Since both technologies attempt to control hardware-level virtualization, ESXi may fail to boot the VM or display error messages like “The device is in use by another process.”

Common causes include:

Incorrect BIOS configuration (vVTd enabled with GPU passthrough).

Unsupported ESXi host hardware or outdated firmware.

VMware version limitations (older ESXi builds).

Improper VM configuration when enabling vGPU profiles.

📌 According to VMware KB, GPU passthrough and vVTd cannot be enabled simultaneously unless specific hardware support exists.

This was due to a conflict between NVIDIA vGPU and Intel VVTD (Virtualization-based Trusted Platform Module). vGPU allows shared access to GPU resources via software, while VVTD requires direct hardware passthrough. These two technologies are incompatible by design.

Emergency Scenario: Critical Error in Production Environment

Just after leaving the office yesterday, I received an urgent message: A virtual machine in our system failed to add a GPU, and the situation looked serious!

Rubbing my eyes, I logged into the vSphere Client. The moment I clicked "Add PCI Device," a glaring error popped up: "Virtual machines using vGPU devices do not support VVTD." Seeing the vGPU profile for NVIDIA GRID M60-2Q in the console, I suddenly realized—this was likely a conflict between VMware's vGPU and Intel's VVTD technology!

**Error Reproduction: Technical Conflict Breakdown**

1. While editing VM settings, attempt to add a PCI device and click "OK."

2. The error immediately appears.

**Conflict Mechanism**

- **vGPU**: Shares physical GPU resources via software virtualization.

- **VVTD**: Intel's direct I/O virtualization for hardware passthrough.

- **Conflict Point**: vGPU requires software-managed GPU allocation, while VVTD demands exclusive hardware control—their underlying architectures clash.

Step-by-Step Fix for vGPU and vVTd Conflict

1. Enable SSH and shell services on the host running the VM, then connect via SSH to ESXi.

2. Locate the VM’s storage path.

3. Open the `.vmx` file using `vi`.

*Reminder: Backup the file before editing. *

4. Add/modify these three parameters:

 
vhv.enable = "FALSE"
vvtd.enable = "FALSE"
windows.vbs.enable = "FALSE"

5. Power on the VM.

6. Shut it down via "Power Off."

*Reminder: A full power cycle is mandatory—rebooting the OS won’t suffice.*

7. Retry adding the device; it should now work.

Validation

1. After successful addition, install the GPU drivers normally.

2. Close the installer upon completion.

3. Open Task Manager to confirm GPU resources are visible.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Conflicts

Always use the latest ESXi version with updated VMware Tools.
Keep GPU firmware and drivers updated from NVIDIA or the vendor.
Use the VMware Compatibility Guide to confirm hardware support.
For multi-GPU hosts, dedicate one GPU to passthrough and others to vGPU.

📌 Internal guide: VMware ESXi Virtual Disk Type Conversion

Conclusion

The vGPU and vVTd conflict in VMware ESXi is caused by overlapping hardware virtualization features. By disabling vVTd in BIOS, reconfiguring ESXi passthrough, and correctly assigning vGPU profiles, you can run GPU-accelerated VMs without errors.

Following these VMware GPU best practices ensures stable performance for workloads like AI, ML, and 3D rendering. If you encounter further issues, check VMware’s official documentation for updated compatibility notes.

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