Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

The “Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine” error message in Windows 11 can be quite frustrating for users who encounter it. While the error typically occurs when running a game that does not support a virtual machine environment, it can also appear in other situations. This article provides a comprehensive look at the causes of this error and offers detailed solutions to resolve it.

Also see: Force App or Game to Use Dedicated GPU or Integrated Graphics

Sorry this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine Windows 11

Understanding the “Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine” error

When an application or game detects virtualization technologies on your computer, it may refuse to run and display the “this application cannot run under a virtual machine” error message. This is often because the application is designed to protect its intellectual property or ensure optimal performance by preventing users from running it in a virtual machine.

Virtualization can be provided by various features and programs, including:

  • Hyper-V, a Windows-native virtualization technology
  • Third-party virtualization programs like VMware or VirtualBox
  • Antivirus software that utilizes virtualization to protect the system

Related resource: How to Close Virtual Desktop in Windows 11

Troubleshooting and resolving the error

To resolve the “Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine” error in Windows 11, follow these detailed steps:

Check for running virtual machines

Before disabling any virtualization features, make sure no virtual machines are currently running on your computer. Close any active instances of VMware, VirtualBox, or other virtualization software.

Virtualbox Virtual Machines Windows 11

Disable third-party antivirus software

Some antivirus programs use virtualization technologies that may cause the error. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists, proceed to the next steps.

Investigate Hyper-V status

Open the Command Prompt as administrator by clicking the Start button, typing “cmd” in the search bar, and right-clicking on the “Command Prompt” search result. Choose “Run as administrator.” Click “Yes” when prompted by the User Account Control dialog.

Command Prompt Run as Administrator

Type systeminfo in the Command Prompt and press Enter. Scroll down to the “Hyper-V Requirements” section to see if a hypervisor is detected.

Sorry this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine

Disable Hyper-V

If a hypervisor is detected, enter the command bcdedit /set {current} hypervisorlaunchtype off and press Enter to disable Hyper-V. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Disable Hyper-V in Windows 11

Disable additional virtualization features

If the error persists, open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and selecting it. Navigate to Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off.

Turn Windows 11 features on or off

Uncheck any features related to virtualization, such as “Windows Sandbox,” “Windows Hypervisor Platform,” or “Virtual Machine Platform.” Restart your computer again for the changes to take effect.

Linked issue: Turn Windows Features On or Off: “Please wait…”

Turn off Virtual Machines in Windows 11

Re-enabling Virtualization Features

If you need to re-enable virtualization features after resolving the error, follow these steps:

Enable Hyper-V

Open the Command Prompt as administrator by pressing Win + X and choosing Windows Terminal (Admin). Click “Yes” when prompted by the User Account Control dialog. Enter the command bcdedit /set {current} hypervisorlaunchtype auto and press Enter to enable Hyper-V.

Enable Hypervisor Windows 11

Restart your computer

Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

Useful tip: How to Allocate More RAM to a Game in Windows 11 or 10

Enable additional virtualization features

If you disabled other virtualization features, open the Control Panel, navigate to Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off, and re-enable the features you disabled earlier.

Enable Windows Hypervisor Platform Sandbox

Re-enable antivirus software

If you disabled your antivirus software earlier, remember to re-enable it to ensure your system remains protected against potential threats. If the antivirus software was the cause of the issue, consider looking for an alternative solution that does not use virtualization technologies or contact the software vendor for support.

Alternative solutions

If the aforementioned steps do not resolve the issue, you can try the following alternative solutions:

Run the application in compatibility mode

Some applications may have compatibility issues with Windows 11. To run the application in compatibility mode, right-click on the application’s executable file or shortcut, select “Properties,” and switch to the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box next to “Run this program in compatibility mode for,” and select a previous version of Windows, such as Windows 10 or Windows 8. Apply the changes and try running the application again.

Run game in compatibility mode Windows 11

Update graphics drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause issues with certain applications. Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date by visiting your graphics card manufacturer’s website or using the built-in Windows Update feature.

Contact the application’s or game’s support team

If none of the suggested solutions work, consider reaching out to the application’s support team for assistance. They may be aware of the issue and can provide you with a fix or workaround specific to the application.

Key takeaways

The “Sorry, this application cannot run under a Virtual Machine” error in Windows 11 can be a challenging issue to resolve, as it involves various virtualization technologies and potential compatibility issues. By carefully following the troubleshooting steps and alternative solutions provided in this article, users should be able to identify the root cause of the problem and implement a suitable solution.

It is important to keep in mind that virtualization technologies are continuously evolving and becoming more integrated with modern operating systems. As a result, developers may need to adapt their applications to better accommodate these changes, while users should stay informed about the latest advancements in virtualization and compatibility of games and applications.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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