How to Fix Issue “Virtualbox Not Opening” – Resolve Quickly

Facing difficulties with Virtualbox not opening? The issue could be due to software conflicts, misconfigured BIOS settings, or missing system settings. Problems such as security restrictions, system updates, or permission issues can also prevent it from running. Addressing this issue manually, often involves several steps and technical adjustments. A more efficient approach is to use a smarter VDI Recovery Software. It is an advanced software that repairs and restores data from corrupted VDI and VBOX files. Before moving forward, it’s important to understand the concept of VirtualBox and why it is needed?

Virtualbox is an open-source virtualization software that allows users to run multiple virtual machines on their computer. It supports various OS such as Windows, Linux, macOS, etc. 

A VDI (Virtual Disk Image) file is like a virtual hard drive used by Oracle Virtualbox. It stores all the necessary data just like a real hard disk does on a physical computer.

What Causes the VirtualBox Unable to Open Error?

Fixing this issue is essential to maintain virtual machine access, development, testing, etc. So, here are key reasons why one might want to fix if Virtualbox does not open:

1. One of the reasons might be due to conflicts with Hyper-V, VMware, or Docker running in the background.
2. It might not work properly if you’re using an older or unsupported version of Virtualbox.
3. Windows updates, security settings, or third-party antivirus software might prevent the issue ‘VirtualBox Not opening in Windows’.
4. Outdated or incompatible display and network drivers, may crash Virtualbox or fail to start.
5. Virtualbox relies on VT-x (Intel) or AMD-V (AMD). If this feature is disabled on your Desktop, then it may not function properly.

How to Fix Issue “Virtualbox Not Opening”?

Fixing this issue can be approached through different methods. You can either go for a manual fix or rely on an automated software. The manual methods are:

• Reinstalling Virtualbox
• Updating/upgrading Drivers
• Running the app in compatibility mode
• Turning off 3D graphic acceleration feature
• Checking if there’s any conflict wth Hyper-V

On the other hand, an automated method, VDI Recovery Software offers a hassle-free fix, reducing effort and errors. Let’s begin with the methods now.

Reinstall VirtualBox If VirtualBox Not Launching

Make sure you back up all your Virtual Machines and settings to prevent data loss.

The following are the steps to initiate the process:

1. First, click on the Windows icon.
2. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
3. A list of programs opens up. Right-click on Virtualbox and uninstall it.
4. Now, visit the VirtualBox official website. 
5. Then, download the latest version of VirtualBox for Windows.

Upgrade Graphic Drivers When VirtualBox Not Opening in Windows

It is to be considered the first step to resolve this issue. It addresses the problem if there’s any graphical issues or a crash as soon as you start the virtual machine. 

Follow these instructions to fix this Virtualbox issue:

1. Open Settings.
2. Now, go to Windows update.
3. Tap on Check for updates.
4. If there has been an update available for your graphic drivers, install it and restart your PC.

Run Application in Compatibility Mode to Fix Virtualbox Unable to Open Error

This approach is suitable when there are graphical issues or your application crashes at the start. It will also solve your problem if you are using an older Virtualbox version.

The following steps will guide you to fix this issue:  

1. Right-click on the Virtualbox executable file.
2. Select Properties > Compatibility mode.
3. Choose “Similarity trouble shooter” or enable “Run this program for comparison mode for“ field.
4. Then, save it and run the program as “Run as an administrator”.

Limitations: It is usually not considered as a fix as it might affect the performance issues. Additionally, some of the features may not work properly when running the application in compatibility mode.

Turn Off 3D Graphics Acceleration Feature Till VirtualBox Not Launching

It is a good troubleshooting approach, in cases of Virtualbox crash, black screen errors, or graphics related errors. Disabling the 3D graphics acceleration might fix a major part of your problem. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide if VirtualBox not opening in Windows:

1. Right-click on the clear space of your Desktop.
2. Select Graphic Designs properties.
3. Once it gets open, choose Basic mode.
4. Now, go to 3D choice.
5. Lastly, Turn Off the 3D graphics acceleration.

Limitations: The major limitation of this method is the lower resolutions and limited functionality for heavy graphical apps.  

Check Conflicts with Hyper-V When Virtualbox Unable to Open

This method will be crucial if the VirtualBox crashes at the start after you update the Windows. 

Steps to resolve this issue are outlined below:

1. Run this command to disable Hyper-V:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

2. Now, restart your PC.

Limitations: This approach might impact other visualization tools. 

Use Smarter Software if Virtualbox Not Opening

The VDI Recovery Software eliminates the limitations of the above traditional approaches. This software repairs corrupt or damaged VDI files. With multiple recovery modes, it recovers deleted or lost files. Additionally, the auto-search feature automatically locates VDI files on the system.

Here is the step-by-step guide to implement the process:

1. Download and install VDI Recovery Software.
2. Select the disk type as either Dynamic Disk or Fixed Disk.
3. Tap on the browse icon to select your corrupted VDI file and click Open.
4. Now, you can view the File information. After that, click Next.
5. Select the Scanning Mode and other features as per your needs. Click Next.
6. Choose the Volume to repair the data and click on Next.
7. Then, Select Recovery Mode. The scanning process will start. Press Ok.
8. Now, check the preview after scanning your files.
9. Choose the location to save your repaired file and click Ok.

Conclusion

The issue of VirtualBox not opening causes workflow disruptions and hinders development and testing. Through this blog, we’ve addressed methods to fix this issue. Traditional methods include reinstalling Virtualbox, upgrading graphic drivers, and much more. Instead of manually trying multiple complex methods, a dedicated VDI Recovery Software will be an ideal solution. It repairs corrupt or damaged VDI file, provides different recovery modes, recovers deleted VDI files, etc. 

Related Post: Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- Why is my VirtualBox not opening?

Ans- There are several reasons for this:

• Incomplete Virtualbox installation
• Older/Outdated versions of Virtualbox
• Graphic Driver issues
• 3D Acceleration feature issues

Q- How to solve VirtualBox error?

Ans- There are different reasons as to why this error occurs and hence multiple solutions to address it:

• Uninstall and install Virtualbox
• Updating graphic drivers
• Try running the application in compatibility mode
• Turn off the 3D acceleration feature
• Checking conflicts with Hyper-V

In addition to these manual methods, choose VDI Recovery Tool to escape multiple and complicated troubleshooting steps and quickly fix this issue in no time.

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