VMware Workstation allows virtual machines to connect to your physical network using Bridged Networking, enabling them to function as independent devices on the same network as the host computer. This mode is commonly used for testing servers, accessing network resources, or allowing virtual machines to obtain their own IP addresses from a router. However, when attempting to switch a virtual machine to Bridged mode, you may encounter the error “Cannot change network to bridged. No un-bridged host network adapters.”
This error usually indicates that VMware cannot detect a suitable physical network adapter for bridging. It can be caused by disabled VMware Bridge Protocol, stopped VMware services, incorrect Virtual Network Editor settings, outdated network drivers, VPN software conflicts, or corrupted VMware network configuration files. In some cases, Windows updates or changes to your network adapters can also trigger the problem.
Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to resolve by re-enabling the VMware Bridge Protocol, restoring VMware’s network settings, and ensuring the required services are running. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to fix the “No un-bridged host network adapters” error in VMware Workstation on Windows 11.
How to Fix VMware Cannot Change Network to Bridged: No Un-Bridged Host Network Adapters
Before you begin, make sure your physical network adapter is connected and working properly. Also, ensure you’re using the latest version of VMware Workstation compatible with your version of Windows.
1. Verify That the Physical Network Adapter Is Enabled
VMware cannot create a bridged connection if Windows has disabled the network adapter.
- Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
- Verify that your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter is enabled.
- If it is disabled, right-click it and select Enable.
- Restart VMware Workstation.
An active network adapter is required for Bridged Networking to function.
2. Enable VMware Bridge Protocol
The VMware Bridge Protocol must be enabled on the host network adapter.
- Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
- Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
- Locate VMware Bridge Protocol in the list.
- Ensure the checkbox is enabled.
- Click OK.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
If the protocol is disabled, VMware cannot bridge the virtual machine to the physical network.
3. Restart VMware Authorization Service
The VMware Authorization Service is required for networking operations.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Locate VMware Authorization Service.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
- Restart VMware.
Restarting the service can resolve temporary networking issues.
4. Restore Default Virtual Network Settings
Incorrect virtual network configuration can prevent Bridged mode from working.
- Close VMware Workstation.
- Run VMware Workstation as Administrator.
- Open Edit > Virtual Network Editor.
- Click Change Settings.
- Select Restore Defaults.
- Wait for VMware to recreate the virtual network adapters.
- Restart your computer.
Restoring the default configuration recreates VMware’s networking components.
5. Verify the Bridged Adapter Selection
VMware may be attempting to bridge to the wrong network adapter.
- Open Virtual Network Editor.
- Select VMnet0.
- Ensure Bridged is selected.
- Change Automatic to your active Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter if necessary.
- Apply the changes.
Manually selecting the correct adapter often resolves the issue.
6. Update Your Network Adapter Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers may prevent VMware from detecting the adapter.
- Press Windows + X.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your physical adapter.
- Select Update driver.
- Restart your computer.
Updated drivers improve compatibility with VMware’s networking components.
7. Disable VPN Software Temporarily
Some VPN applications replace or modify network adapters, interfering with Bridged mode.
- Disconnect from your VPN.
- Exit the VPN application.
- Restart VMware.
- Try switching to Bridged Networking again.
If Bridged mode works after disabling the VPN, review the VPN’s network settings or exclusions.
8. Disable Hyper-V and Other Virtualization Platforms
Hyper-V can conflict with VMware networking features.
- Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Click Turn Windows features on or off.
- Uncheck:
- Hyper-V
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Restart your PC.
Disabling competing virtualization features can restore VMware networking functionality.
9. Reinstall VMware Network Adapters
Corrupted virtual adapters may prevent Bridged networking from working.
- Open Virtual Network Editor.
- Click Restore Defaults.
- Allow VMware to recreate its virtual adapters.
- Restart Windows.
If the adapters are missing entirely, repairing or reinstalling VMware Workstation may also recreate them.
10. Repair VMware Workstation
A damaged VMware installation can affect networking components.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate VMware Workstation.
- Choose Modify or Repair if available.
- Complete the repair process.
- Restart your computer.
Repairing VMware reinstalls missing or corrupted networking files.
11. Reinstall VMware Workstation
If none of the previous methods work, perform a clean installation.
- Uninstall VMware Workstation.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest version from VMware.
- Install it as an administrator.
- Restart Windows.
- Reconfigure your virtual network settings.
A fresh installation resolves issues caused by damaged program files or incomplete updates.
Conclusion
The “VMware cannot change network to bridged: No un-bridged host network adapters” error typically occurs when VMware cannot find a suitable physical network adapter for Bridged mode. In most cases, enabling the VMware Bridge Protocol, restarting VMware services, restoring the default virtual network configuration, and selecting the correct physical adapter resolve the issue.
If the error persists, update your network drivers, temporarily disable VPN software or Hyper-V, and repair or reinstall VMware Workstation. Once the networking components are correctly configured, your virtual machines should be able to use Bridged Networking and communicate with devices on your local network without any problems.
