How to Fix VMware Not Have Access Rights Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

VMware is a popular tool for running virtual machines on Windows 11. However, sometimes users face an error stating they do not have access rights. This can stop you from opening or managing your virtual machines properly.

Access rights errors usually relate to permission settings or conflicts with system security features. Fixing these issues is often straightforward if you follow the right steps carefully.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed solutions to resolve the VMware access rights error on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, even if you are not very technical.

By the end, you should be able to regain full access to your VMware virtual machines without hassle.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, please ensure the following:

You are logged into Windows 11 with an administrator account. Administrative privileges are often necessary to change permission settings.
VMware is fully installed and updated to the latest version. Older versions may have compatibility issues with Windows 11.
Your Windows 11 system is up to date with the latest updates installed. Sometimes, system updates fix permission-related bugs.
You have closed VMware and any related processes before starting these fixes. This prevents conflicts during changes.

Step 1: Run VMware as Administrator

One of the simplest ways to fix access rights errors is to run VMware with administrator privileges. This tells Windows to give VMware higher permission to access files and system components.

Right-click the VMware shortcut or executable file.
Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow.
Try opening your virtual machine again to see if the error persists.

This step is important because some files VMware needs to access are protected by Windows. Running as admin gives VMware the necessary rights temporarily.

Step 2: Modify Folder Permissions for VMware Files

If running as administrator does not help, the problem may lie in folder permissions where your virtual machine files are stored. You need to ensure your Windows user has full control over these folders.

Locate the folder where your VMware virtual machine files (usually with extension .vmx) are saved.
Right-click the folder and select “Properties”.
Go to the “Security” tab.
Click “Edit” to change permissions.
Select your user account from the list.
Check the box under “Allow” for “Full control”.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save changes.
Try launching VMware again.

Adjusting folder permissions ensures that Windows does not block VMware from reading or writing virtual machine files.

Step 3: Disable Controlled Folder Access in Windows Security

Windows 11 has a security feature called Controlled Folder Access that blocks untrusted apps from modifying protected folders. This can interfere with VMware operations.

Open Windows Security by typing it into the search bar and selecting the app.
Click on “Virus & threat protection”.
Scroll down and click “Manage ransomware protection” under Ransomware protection.
Turn off “Controlled folder access” if it is enabled.
Alternatively, click “Allow an app through Controlled folder access” and add vmware.exe and related executables.
Restart your computer and check VMware again.

This step is crucial because Windows may mistakenly block VMware from accessing its needed folders.

Step 4: Check VMware Services and Start Them Manually

VMware relies on certain background services to function properly. If these services are stopped or not running, you may get access errors.

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Look for VMware services, such as VMware Authorization Service and VMware Workstation Server.
Right-click each service and select “Start” if they are stopped.
If they are running, right-click and choose “Restart”.
Close the Services window and try VMware again.

Ensuring these services are running allows VMware to perform tasks requiring special permissions.

Step 5: Reinstall VMware with Administrative Rights

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling VMware can fix corrupted files or incorrect settings.

Uninstall VMware from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Restart your computer.
Download the latest VMware installer from the official website.
Right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator”.
Follow the installation prompts carefully.
After installation, try running VMware again.

Reinstalling ensures that all program files and permissions are correctly set for Windows 11.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If you are comfortable with advanced settings, you can try the following additional fixes:

Adjust User Account Control (UAC) settings: Temporarily lower UAC levels via Control Panel to see if it resolves permission blocks.
Check Group Policy settings: If you are on a corporate or managed computer, group policies might restrict VMware permissions. Contact IT support.
Run VMware in compatibility mode: Right-click the VMware shortcut, go to Properties > Compatibility, and set it to run in Windows 10 mode.
Create a new Windows user profile: Sometimes user profiles become corrupted. Testing VMware under a new user can help isolate the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I get “access rights” errors only on certain VMs?

This usually indicates permission issues specific to the folders or files of those virtual machines. Check folder permissions as explained in Step 2.

Can antivirus software cause VMware access errors?

Yes, some antivirus or security tools can block VMware from accessing files. Temporarily disable such software to test if it is the cause.

Is running VMware as administrator safe?

Yes, running as administrator grants higher rights needed for VMware to function. Just ensure you trust the VMware installation source.

Why does Controlled Folder Access block VMware?

Controlled Folder Access protects important folders from unauthorized changes. Since VMware modifies VM files, Windows may block it if not explicitly allowed.

Do I need to reinstall VMware every time I get access errors?

No, reinstallation is usually a last resort after trying simpler permission fixes.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the above steps and still face the access rights error, consider the following:

Visit the official VMware support page for Windows 11 compatibility issues: VMware Support.
Submit a support ticket to VMware with detailed information about your error and system setup.
Check community forums such as VMware Communities or Reddit for similar issues and solutions.
Consider reinstalling Windows updates or performing a system restore if recent changes caused the problem.

Conclusion

Access rights errors in VMware on Windows 11 are often related to permission settings or Windows security features. Starting with simple steps like running VMware as administrator and adjusting folder permissions can quickly resolve the issue.

Disabling Controlled Folder Access and ensuring VMware services run properly are also key solutions. Reinstalling VMware should be considered only if other methods fail.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can regain full access to your virtual machines and continue working seamlessly on your Windows 11 system.