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VMware Not Working on Windows 11? You Can Fix it in 3 Steps
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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When trying to install Windows 11 as a guest on your VMware Workstation, you may encounter different types of errors, such asThis PC cannot run Windows 11.
The fact that Windows 11 is a free update for Windows 10 users does not negate the reality that the operating system has hardware restrictions.
The problem is usually caused by Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and it can be resolved in a few steps by modifying the registry or VMX file.
Later, we’ll discuss why your VMware crashes and how to fix it, but first, let’s look at solutions to the most common VMware errors in Windows 11.
What causes the VMware Workstation error in Windows 11?
Your system must have the TPM 2.0 and secure boot requirements in order to install Windows 11 successfully.
Even if your PC is compliant, VMware Workstation does not support this feature by default, which results in an error.
Fortunately, you can get around this restriction by modifying the Windows Registry or the VMX file in the working directory.
Theerror message displayed is This PC can’t run Windows 11; to resolve this problem, follow the steps below.
How can I fix the Windows 11 VMware Workstation error?
1. Edit the VMX file to add VTPM
Editing your virtual machine’s .VMX file and adding the VTPM (Virtual Trusted Platform Module) is the simplest way to fix the Windows 11 VMware Workstation error.
This solution works with all VMware Workstation versions, including Pro, Player, and Fusion.
2. Enable TPM 2.0
If you use VMware Workstation Pro, you can fix the error by encrypting your virtual machine and then adding a virtual Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
However, if you’re using VMware Workstation Player, move on to the next method, which involves a registry hack and modifying the VMX file.
3. Bypass TPM 2.0 requirements
This solution may seem complicated, but it is universal, and you can use it in all versions of the VMware Workstation.
Also, if you don’t want to encrypt your virtual machine like the previous method, you can bypass the Trusted Platform Module requirement by using this registry hack.
Why does Windows guest in VMware WorkstationProcrash on startup ?
You may encounter anotherproblem when working with VMware WorkstationPro v.16.1.2.
This issue happens if you create a Windows guest VM using Workstation Pro 16.1.2 on Windows 11, and the host system hasenabled Hyper-V(in this case, WSL2 has enabled in the host), and you select more than one processor and/or one core processor for the guest, the Windows gust VM crashes at boot.
The error you will see is as follows:VMware Workstation unrecoverable error: (vcpu-0). Exception 0xc0000005 (access violation) has occurred.
It is worth noting that the issue mentioned above often happens to users with AMD Ryzen5950x processors.
However, this error is not a problem anymore. VMware issued an update for Workstation recently to address the problem.
So, if you have the same problem, you do not have to do anything but update your Workstation since this issue occurs in older versions.
Many users that have lab environments and are running VMware Workstation on outdated hardware that lacks a Trusted Platform Module are affected by the Windows 11 VMware problem.
Fortunately, this issue can be solved and all you need to do is follow the steps outlined in this guide. Also, take a look at our article if you’retrying to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
If you’ve tried any of these methods, please share your experiences in the comments section down below!
More about the topics:virtual machine,VMware Workstation,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
