VMware Workstation Pro can’t run on Windows 11/10

Some PC users might encounter a VMware Workstation Pro error message when upgrading from Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 11/10 newer versions. This post is intended to help affected users resolve this issue. We will provide an adequate solution you can try to resolve this issue successfully.

Uninstall this app now because it isn’t compatible with Windows

VMware Workstation Pro can’t run on Windows 11/10

If you’re faced with this issue, you can simply uninstall VMware Workstation Pro and then retry the upgrade process. But uninstalling the software via the Programs and Features applet in Control Panel on Windows won’t cut it; as some users reported that either the button to uninstall is greyed out or that even after they were able to uninstall the software, they still had the issue. This is so because there are still residual files from the software that are left over on the Windows PC. So, we will walk you through the invasive method on how you can completely remove VMware Workstation Pro and all its dependencies.

1. Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro using the software installer
2. Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro using third-party Uninstaller software
3. Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro via Command Prompt

Let’s see the description of both methods.

1] Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro using the software installer

If you do not have a copy of the installer, you can download from the VMware website or any other site hosting the installer file.

Do the following:

• Log in to the Windows host system as the Administrator user or as a user who is a member of the local Administrators group.

• Double-click the VMware-workstation-abcd-abcdabc.exe file, where abcd-abcdabc is the version and build numbers.
• Click Next on the Welcome screen and then click Remove.

Select the appropriate checkboxes to save product license and Workstation Pro configuration information.

• Click Next to begin uninstalling VMware Workstation Pro.

2] Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro using third-party Uninstaller software

While Windows comes with an “Add or remove programs’ option, all too often, you’ll be presented with a message telling you that some components couldn’t be removed or the uninstall has failed. Additionally, it will often leave existing files, folders, and shortcuts in place meaning you have to delete these manually. It doesn’t also properly updated the registry, either. Third-party software uninstallers can do a more thorough job.

3] Uninstall VMware Workstation Pro via Command Prompt

If you are uninstalling Workstation 5.x or later versions, use the Workstation uninstaller. Then, download the appropriate installer to your PC’s hard drive.

Do the following:

• Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type cmd and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in admin/elevated mode.
• In the command prompt window, type the command below and hit Enter.

VMware-workstation-5.0.0-13124.exe /c

This command with the /c switch will automatically remove the MSI registration information for VMware Workstation from your Windows 10 PC.

If you are using Workstation 12.x, 11.x, 10.x, 9.x, 8.x, or 7.x, run the installer program with the /clean switch in elevated CMD prompt. Your command should look something like this:

VMware-workstation-full-7.1.2-301548.exe /clean

That’s it! Once you have completely uninstalled VMware Workstation, you can proceed with the Windows Upgrade – the process should be complete without any errors.

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