VMware is widely used for running virtual machines to test operating systems, run legacy software, or create isolated environments for development and learning. On Windows 11, many users report that VMware does not start, virtual machines fail to power on, virtualization errors appear, or performance is extremely slow.
Most VMware issues on Windows 11 are caused by virtualization conflicts, Hyper-V being enabled, outdated VMware versions, incompatible Windows security features, or disabled BIOS settings. Since Windows 11 has stricter virtualization and security requirements than Windows 10, VMware often needs additional configuration to work properly.
How to Fix VMware Not Working in Windows 11
Follow the solutions below in order. Restart your PC after applying each major fix.
1. Make Sure Virtualization Is Enabled in BIOS
VMware requires hardware virtualization to be enabled.
- Restart your PC
- Enter BIOS or UEFI settings using F2, F10, Del, or Esc (varies by manufacturer)
- Look for Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) or AMD-V / SVM
- Enable the virtualization option
- Save changes and exit BIOS
After booting into Windows, try running VMware again.
2. Disable Hyper-V Completely
Hyper-V conflicts directly with VMware and prevents it from working.
- Press Windows + R, type
optionalfeatures, and press Enter - Uncheck Hyper-V
- Uncheck Virtual Machine Platform
- Uncheck Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Click OK and restart your PC
VMware will not work properly if any of these features are enabled.
3. Disable Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)
Windows 11 security features can block VMware drivers.
- Open Windows Security
- Go to Device security
- Click Core isolation details
- Turn Memory integrity OFF
- Restart your PC
This fix resolves many VMware startup and driver errors.
4. Update VMware to the Latest Version
Older VMware versions are not fully compatible with Windows 11.
- Open VMware Workstation if it opens
- Check for updates inside the app
If it does not open:
- Uninstall the existing VMware version
- Download the latest VMware installer
- Install it and restart your PC
Always use the newest stable release for Windows 11.
5. Run VMware as Administrator
Permission issues can prevent VMware services from starting.
- Right-click the VMware shortcut
- Select Run as administrator
- Approve the UAC prompt
- Try starting the virtual machine
You can also set VMware to always run as administrator.
6. Restart VMware Services
If VMware services fail to start, virtual machines will not run.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter - Locate all VMware services
- Right-click each one and select Restart
- Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic
Close Services and relaunch VMware.
7. Disable Windows Features That Conflict with VMware
Other virtualization features can also interfere.
- Open optionalfeatures again
- Make sure the following are unchecked
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Windows Subsystem for Android
- Containers
- Restart your PC
Only one virtualization platform should be active at a time.
8. Check Virtual Machine Settings
Incorrect VM configuration can prevent startup.
- Open VMware
- Select the virtual machine
- Open Settings
- Reduce allocated RAM if too high
- Make sure virtualization options match your CPU
- Disable nested virtualization if not required
Apply changes and try powering on the VM again.
9. Repair or Reinstall VMware Completely
If nothing works, a clean reinstall is the most reliable fix.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Uninstall VMware
- Restart your PC
- Download the latest VMware installer
- Install VMware and restart again
This removes corrupted drivers and configuration files.
Final Thoughts
VMware not working in Windows 11 is almost always caused by virtualization conflicts or Windows security features, not hardware failure. Disabling Hyper-V, turning off Memory Integrity, enabling BIOS virtualization, and installing the latest VMware version resolves the issue in most cases.
Once configured correctly, VMware runs smoothly on Windows 11 and supports advanced virtualization features just like on Windows 10.
