Blog

How to Fix VMware Autostart Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

VMware autostart not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you rely on virtual machines to start automatically. This issue can interrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary delays. Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to fix this problem.

In this article, we will guide you through simple, step-by-step solutions to restore VMware autostart functionality. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along without confusion.

By the end, you will understand why autostart may fail and how to fix it effectively. Let’s get started!

Follow the steps below carefully, and you should have your VMware virtual machines starting automatically on Windows 11 again.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure VMware Workstation or VMware Player is properly installed and updated to the latest version.
  • Verify that your Windows 11 user account has administrative privileges, as some fixes require admin access.
  • Check that your virtual machines are properly configured and saved before attempting autostart fixes.
  • Ensure Windows 11 is up to date with the latest system updates, as some fixes depend on system stability.

Step 1: Enable VMware Autostart Service

VMware uses a service called VMware Autostart Service to manage the automatic startup of virtual machines. Sometimes, this service might be disabled, causing autostart to fail.

  1. Press Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and look for VMware Autostart Service in the list.
  4. If its status is not “Running,” right-click it and select Start.
  5. Also, right-click the service, choose Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic.
  6. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

Why this matters: If the service responsible for autostart is stopped or disabled, your virtual machines won’t launch automatically when Windows starts.

Step 2: Configure Autostart Settings in VMware

VMware allows you to specify which virtual machines should start automatically and how they behave during startup.

  1. Open VMware Workstation or VMware Player.
  2. Select the virtual machine you want to autostart.
  3. Go to the Edit menu and click Preferences.
  4. In the Preferences window, find the Autostart tab or section.
  5. Enable autostart for the selected virtual machine by checking the appropriate box.
  6. Adjust the delay time if you want to stagger the startup sequence (optional).
  7. Click OK to save your settings.

Why this matters: Simply enabling the service is not enough; VMware needs to know which virtual machines you want to start automatically.

Step 3: Check Windows Startup Configuration

Windows 11 manages startup programs and services through Task Manager and Startup Apps settings. Sometimes, these settings can interfere with VMware autostart.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Look for any VMware-related entries.
  4. If VMware autostart or related programs are disabled, right-click and select Enable.
  5. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Why this matters: If VMware startup components are disabled in Windows, autostart won’t function properly even if VMware settings are correct.

Step 4: Run VMware as Administrator

Windows 11 security settings sometimes prevent programs from running certain processes automatically without proper permission.

  1. Right-click your VMware shortcut or executable file.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Reboot your PC and check if autostart works now.

Why this matters: Running VMware with elevated privileges allows it to perform tasks like autostart without being blocked by system security.

Step 5: Use Task Scheduler as an Alternative Method

If VMware’s built-in autostart still doesn’t work, you can create a scheduled task to start your virtual machines when Windows boots.

  1. Press Win + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.
  2. Click Create Basic Task on the right pane.
  3. Name your task (e.g., “Start VMware VM”). Click Next.
  4. Select When I log on or When the computer starts as the trigger. Click Next.
  5. Choose Start a program. Click Next.
  6. Browse to the VMware executable, usually located in C:Program Files (x86)VMwareVMware Workstationvmware.exe.
  7. In the Add arguments field, enter the path to your virtual machine’s .vmx file, enclosed in quotes. For example: "C:VMsMyVirtualMachine.vmx".
  8. Click Next and then Finish to create the task.

Why this matters: Task Scheduler provides a reliable way to launch programs at startup if VMware’s autostart feature is not functioning correctly.

FAQs

Why is VMware autostart not working after a Windows update?

Windows updates can reset certain services or permissions. It’s important to check the VMware Autostart Service and permissions after updates to ensure they weren’t changed.

Can I autostart multiple virtual machines?

Yes, VMware lets you configure multiple VMs to start automatically by enabling autostart on each one or by creating multiple scheduled tasks.

Is VMware autostart supported on all VMware products?

Autostart is typically supported on VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Server but may not be available on VMware Player. Check your product documentation.

What if my VM needs to start with specific network settings?

Ensure your VM’s network adapter is configured correctly and that VMware autostart is set after any network services start on your PC.

Can antivirus software block VMware autostart?

Yes, some antivirus or security software might block programs from running automatically. Temporarily disable or whitelist VMware to test this.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the above steps and VMware autostart is still not working on Windows 11, consider these final options:

  • Reinstall VMware Workstation or Player to repair any corrupted files.
  • Check VMware’s official community forums and knowledge base for known issues and fixes: VMware Community.
  • Contact VMware support for personalized assistance.
  • Review Windows Event Viewer logs for any errors related to VMware autostart that could provide clues.

Conclusion

Fixing VMware autostart not working on Windows 11 involves checking the VMware Autostart Service, configuring autostart settings properly, ensuring Windows startup settings allow VMware to run, and sometimes running VMware as an administrator. If these basic steps fail, Task Scheduler offers a reliable alternative to launch your virtual machines automatically.

By following the detailed steps provided here, you should be able to restore autostart functionality and enjoy a smoother virtual machine experience. Always keep your software updated and verify permissions after system changes to prevent future issues.

Leave a Reply