Fix: VMware Workstation and Hyper-V are Not Compatible

Insufficient memory can cause Hyper-V's incompatibility with VMware

Windows 11 » How To

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by Loredana Harsana 

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Key notes

  • VMware not compatible with Hyper-V error can occur when the Hyper-V role is enabled as a secondary virtual machine creator.
  • VMware needs a 4GB RAM or more because your PC needs to run its systems also.
  • One of the possible fixes for the incompatibility issue is to uninstall Hyper-V in the GUI.

It can be quite annoying if you get the Hyper-V not compatible with VMware error after installing a virtualization application on a Windows machine.

This error is almost inevitable because Windows 11 cannot run another Virtual Machine creator alongside Hyper-V. Regardless, fixing the VMware and Hyper-V incompatibility issues is still possible.

Why is VMware not compatible with Hyper-V?

Whenever the Hyper-V role is enabled, the virtualization extensions are not exposed to type 2 hypervisors installed on a Windows machine, hence the incompatibility issue. However, other factors responsible for this error are:

  • Outdated or low-bit processor: VMware workstation and Hyper-V may not be compatible if you use an outdated processor for Windows Server 2012. Regardless of the Hyper-V feature you wish to use, a 64-bit processor of second-level address translation (SLAT) is a requirement for newer hardware.
  • Insufficient Memory: To run multiple Virtual Machines simultaneously, you’ll need enough memory of at least 4 GB of RAM or more for the host and other Virtual Machines.
  • Hyper-V is a Virtual Machine creator: Hyper-V is also a Virtual Machine creator and cannot run with another VM due to competition for resources. You may have to disable Hyper-V in Windows 11 in such cases.

What can I do if VMware is not compatible with Hyper-V?

You should ensure to perform the following preparatory checks before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks:

  • Ensure you have about 60GB and above of hard disk storage.
  • Your computer should have a minimum RAM of 4GB.
  • Get to know how to locate the files & folders and their respective functions.
  • Ensure that your processor is compatible with a 64-bit processor and supports AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm processors.

Having checked these and the issue persists, proceed to the advanced fixes below.

1. Uninstall Hyper-V in the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

  1. Click the Start button, input cmd, and launch the Command Prompt.
  2. Run the following command to open System Information to check if Hyper-V is installed and press Enter: msinfo32.exe
  3. If Hyper-V is installed, proceed to uninstall it with the next steps.
  4. Open Control Panel and click Programs and Features.
  5. Then, click Turn Windows features on or off.
  6. When the Windows features page opens, deselect the Hyper-V checkbox, and click OK.
  7. Restart the computer.

You can follow similar steps for Windows Server 2016. However, should you later need to re-enable Hyper-V, you can check our guide on how to Install Hyper-V in Windows 11.

2. Turn off Virtualization Based Security

  1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously, input gpedit.msc and click OK or hit Enter.
  2. Go to Local Computer Policy, then click on Computer Configuration.
  3. Select Administrative Templates and click on System.
  4. Then, click on Device Guard and double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security (the status of this setting should show Not configured by default).
  5. A window should open, select Disabled and click OK to save the settings, then close the window.

Alternatively, if you can’t seem to access Virtualization-Based Security, you can read how to disable VBS on Windows 11 PCs and find some relevant solutions.

3. Disable Hyper-V using PowerShell

  1. Press the Windows key, type Powershell, right-click on PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
  2. Type the following shell command in the PowerShell window and hit Enter: Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All
  3. PowerShell will initiate the Hyper-V disabling process.
  4. If it is successful, you will be asked to restart your PC, type Y to confirm, and your PC will restart to apply the changes and enable a new feature.

If you want to re-enable Hyper-V in PowerShell, you can read through our guide on enabling Hyper-V in Windows 11.

You can also check our detailed guide on what to do if VMware workstation and Hyper-V are not compatible with Windows 11.

However, if the Hyper-V to VMware compatibility problems persists, you should consider checking our article to fix Windows 11 Hyper-V errors.

If you have new queries or suggestions about other fixes that have worked for you, kindly drop them in the comments section. We will appreciate your input.

More about the topics: Hyper-V issues, vmware

Loredana Harsana

Loredana Harsana Shield

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts. Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you'll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.