VMware error ” Unable to open kernel device “\\.\VMCIDev\VMX “
Are you getting the bellow error and don’t know how to move ahead, below is an easy fix for your problem
” Unable to open kernel device “\.\VMCIDev\VMX” Module DevicePowerOn power on failed. ”
Steps to fox
1> Open your default VM’s location , in my case:
C:\Users\erdalo\Documents\Virtual Machines\Windows 10x
2> Find and edit edit the .vmx file via simply open with Notepad
3> Within the document find replace the ” vmci0.present = “TRUE” value with “false”
4> Save the document
5 > Your VM should boot as usual
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VMware Workstation error
VMware error – alternative way
If you’re encountering the VMware error “Unable to open kernel device ‘.\VMCIDev\VMX’”, don’t worry! Here’s a straightforward fix to help you resolve this issue:
- Restart VMware Authorization Service:
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services window, locate VMware Authorization Service.
- Right-click on it and select Restart.
- Press
- Run VMware as Administrator:
- Right-click on the VMware shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Check VMware Workstation Driver:
- Open Device Manager by pressing
Win + Xand selecting Device Manager. - Expand the System devices section.
- Look for VMware Workstation VMCI Host Device.
- If it’s not present, you may need to reinstall VMware Workstation.
- Open Device Manager by pressing
- Reinstall VMware Workstation:
- Uninstall VMware Workstation from your system.
- Download the latest version from the official VMware website.
- Install it and restart your computer.
- Update Windows:
- Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
These steps should help you resolve the error and get VMware running smoothly again. If the problem persists, you might want to check VMware’s support forums or contact their customer support for further assistance. Good luck!
CISO Insight
Cybersecurity is not a product you buy or a project you complete — it is a continuous operational discipline. The organisations that achieve genuine security maturity embed security thinking into every business decision, invest in people and processes alongside technology, and build resilience for the inevitable day when preventive controls fail.
The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
The threat landscape continues to evolve at a pace that challenges even well-resourced security teams. AI-powered attacks, supply chain compromises, ransomware-as-a-service, and state-sponsored campaigns create a multi-dimensional threat environment no single technology can address. Organisations that defend most effectively take a risk-based approach — understanding which assets are most critical, which threats are most likely, and where investments will have the greatest impact. For CISOs, translating this complexity into actionable strategy requires quantifying cyber risk in business terms, prioritising based on risk reduction, and communicating in language that resonates with non-technical stakeholders.
Building a Defence-in-Depth Strategy
Effective cybersecurity requires layered defences addressing the full attack lifecycle — from reconnaissance through exfiltration. No single control is sufficient; every control can be bypassed by sufficiently motivated adversaries. The goal is creating enough layers that attackers must overcome multiple independent defences, while ensuring detection and response capabilities identify and contain breaches before catastrophic damage. The most common mistake organisations make is treating security as a technology problem rather than a business risk management discipline. The fundamentals — patch management, access control, security awareness, incident response planning — prevent more breaches than any advanced technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cybersecurity mistake organisations make?
Buying security tools without coherent strategy, skipping basic hygiene in favour of advanced solutions, and failing to invest in people and processes. The fundamentals prevent more breaches than advanced technology.
How should CISOs prioritise security investments?
Start with risk assessment identifying critical assets and likely threats. Prioritise controls for highest-risk scenarios. Ensure basic hygiene is solid before investing in advanced capabilities. Use NIST CSF or CIS Controls to structure your programme and measure progress with board-friendly metrics.
Related reading: Visit our Cyber Resilience Hub or download the CISO Toolkit for governance templates.