Encountering the “Operating System Not Found” error in VMware on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially if you are unsure why it happens. This error usually means your virtual machine cannot find a bootable operating system to start from.
This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to fix this issue. No advanced technical skills are required, and each step is explained clearly.
By following these instructions, you’ll be able to get your VMware virtual machine up and running again quickly.
Let’s dive into the solutions in an easy-to-understand way.
Quick Note Before You Start
- Make sure your VMware software is properly installed and up to date.
- Verify that you have a valid operating system ISO file or bootable disk ready for installation.
- Check that your virtual machine’s hard disk is properly configured and connected.
- Ensure your Windows 11 host has enough free disk space and resources to run VMware smoothly.
Step 1: Confirm the Virtual Machine’s Boot Order
The first thing to check is the boot order inside VMware. The virtual machine needs to know which device to boot from, such as a virtual hard drive or an ISO image.
- Open VMware and select your virtual machine.
- Click on Edit virtual machine settings.
- Go to the Options tab and then to Boot Options.
- Make sure Force BIOS setup is checked. This will allow you to enter the BIOS on the next VM start.
- Start the virtual machine and press the key indicated (usually
F2orDel) to enter BIOS. - Inside BIOS, go to the Boot menu and verify that the hard disk or the correct boot device is first on the list.
- Save and exit BIOS.
Why this step matters: If the VM tries to boot from a device without an OS, it will show the “Operating System Not Found” error. Setting the correct boot device ensures VMware looks in the right place first.
Step 2: Check If the Virtual Hard Disk Is Connected and Has an OS
Your VM needs a virtual hard disk attached that contains the operating system files.
- In VMware, select your VM and open Edit virtual machine settings.
- Look under the Hardware tab and find Hard Disk.
- Make sure the hard disk is present and connected (checkbox labeled Connected should be ticked).
- If you don’t have a hard disk attached, click Add, select Hard Disk, and follow the prompts to create one.
- If you have a hard disk but no OS installed, you must install one by either booting from an ISO or using an existing virtual disk with an OS.
Why this is important: Without a virtual hard disk containing an OS, the VM has no system to boot, causing this error.
Step 3: Mount the Correct ISO Image to Install or Repair the OS
If the virtual hard disk is empty or missing an OS, you need to attach an ISO file to install or repair the operating system.
- In Edit virtual machine settings, select CD/DVD (SATA).
- Click on Use ISO image file.
- Browse and select your Windows 11 ISO file.
- Make sure Connected and Connect at power on options are checked.
- Restart your VM and follow the prompts to install or repair Windows.
This step allows you to either install a new operating system or perform a repair if the current OS is corrupted.
Step 4: Use VMware’s Recovery Options (Advanced)
If you suspect your virtual hard disk has corrupted boot files, you can try repairing it.
- Boot your VM using the Windows 11 ISO as explained in Step 3.
- When the Windows Setup screen appears, select Repair your computer instead of installing.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows attempt to fix boot issues automatically.
This method is useful if the OS is present but won’t boot due to damaged system files.
Alternative Method: Create a New Virtual Machine
If none of the above steps work, sometimes starting fresh helps.
- Create a new virtual machine in VMware.
- Attach the Windows 11 ISO and a new virtual hard disk.
- Follow the Windows installation process to set up a clean OS.
Starting with a new VM eliminates configuration errors that might cause boot issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does VMware show “Operating System Not Found”?
This error occurs when the VM cannot find a bootable device with an operating system, often due to incorrect boot order, missing OS, or corrupted boot files.
Can I fix this error without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, if the OS files are intact, using the Windows recovery and startup repair tools may fix the issue without a full reinstall.
How do I check if my virtual hard disk has an operating system?
You can attach the virtual disk to another virtual machine or use recovery tools to inspect its contents. Alternatively, boot from a Windows ISO and try to repair.
Is it necessary to update VMware to fix this error?
Not always. But using the latest version ensures compatibility and may prevent bugs that cause boot issues.
What if my virtual machine won’t let me enter BIOS?
Make sure Force BIOS setup is enabled in the VM’s Boot Options. If still blocked, try restarting the VM and pressing the BIOS key repeatedly immediately after power on.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still see the “Operating System Not Found” error, consider the following:
- Visit the official VMware support page for help and community forums.
- Check your virtual disk files for corruption or accidental deletion.
- Backup any important data from the virtual disk if possible before attempting drastic fixes.
- Consider reinstalling VMware or your host OS if the problem persists across multiple VMs.
Conclusion
The “Operating System Not Found” error in VMware on Windows 11 usually points to boot device or OS installation issues. By checking the boot order, ensuring your virtual hard disk is connected, and mounting the correct ISO, you can resolve most cases easily.
Using Windows recovery tools inside the virtual machine can fix boot problems without reinstalling. If problems persist, creating a new virtual machine often solves the issue.
Following these detailed, step-by-step instructions will help you get back to using your VMware virtual machines smoothly and efficiently.