Why are viruses not classified as prokaryotes or eukaryotes?

Viruses are not classified as prokaryotes or eukaryotes because they are not cells and they are not alive.

Types of Cells

Cells are the basic units of life. There are two main types of cells, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are cells that don’t have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotes do have these features.