How to fix Oracle virtualbox issues in Windows 11

Microsoft has tried to the push the UWP platform for Windows apps but desktop apps remain the dominant type of app of Windows 10. Apps like VLC player and Spotify have both a desktop version and a UWP version. Microsoft hasn’t forced developers to choose UWP and abandon desktop apps. Likewise, with Windows 11, all apps that could run on Windows 10, 8/8.1, and 7 are compatible with the new OS. The only exception so far is Oracle’s VirtualBox.

Oracle VirtualBox issues on Windows 11

Oracle’s VritualBox is a popular, free VM tool that is widely used. It’s powerful and much better than many paid alternatives. Unfortunately, most users who are trying to run VirtualBox on Window 11 are unable to start a virtual machine. The app itself installs perfectly fine on Windows 11 but when it comes down to loading and running a virtual machine, the machine doesn’t start.

1. Disable Hyper-V on Windows 11

Microsoft has acknowledged that there is a problem with VirtualBox running on Windows 11. To get around it, users need to disable Hyper-V on their system. 

To disable Hyper-V on Windows 11, follow these steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Programs.
3. Select Turn Windows features On or Off.
4. From the list of features, Uncheck Hyper-V.
5. Click Ok.

Note: if you do not see Hyper-V, look instead for Windows Hypervisor Platform or Windows Sandbox and disable it.

2. Wait for VirtualBox update

The VirtualBox compatibility issue is on Oracle’s end. This means that a new version of VirtualBox must be released by Oracle, and this new version must address the compatibility issue. Oracle is working on the update but as of now, there is no date for when the fix will be rolled out.

Once the update is available, only subsequent versions will run on Windows 11 which means you may need to upgrade the settings of your VM machines so they can run on the latest version.

3. Uninstall VirtualBox

If you do not use VirtualBox, you can uninstall the app and upgrade to Windows 11 without any problems. If you’ve found an alternative to VirtualBox that suits your needs, it’s safe to remove the app from your system and then perform the upgrade. At present, Microsoft is blocking the upgrade on systems that are running VirtualBox.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Programs>Uninstall a program.
3. Select VirtualBox from the list of installed apps.
4. Click the Uninstall button.
5. Allow the app to uninstall. 

Conclusion

Microsoft hasn’t blocked VirtualBox on Windows 11. This is a simple app compatibility issue. It can be fixed when the app is upgraded and doing so doesn’t involve making any drastic changes or following new rules for development. Oracle should have the update out soon though, given there aren’t that many users on Windows 11, the company may choose to release an update later rather than sooner.

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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