Microsoft confirms Windows 11 is not compatible with some top VMs

Photo of a laptop running Windows 11
(Image credit: sdx15 / Shutterstock)

On the heels of the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has confirmed several compatibility issues that prevent popular third-party software from working with the latest version of its operating system.

In a new support document, the software giant has provided further details on compatibility issues found in Oracle's VirtualBox virtual machine software, Intel's Killer and SmartByte networking software and the Vietnamese language browser Cốc Cốc.

Together with Oracle, Microsoft has found a compatibility issue between VirtualBox and Windows 11 when Hyper-V or Windows Hypervisor is installed. As a result, users may be unable to start virtual machines (VMs) and could receive an error.

Thankfully though, there is a workaround but it involves removing Hyper-V or Windows Hypervisor from a system running Windows 11 until this issue is resolved with an update that Oracle plans to release later this month. Affected users can check the company's progress by monitoring this ticket.

Windows 11 compatibility issues

Microsoft has also provided further details on compatibility issues found between some Intel Killer and SmartByte networking software and Windows 11.

Devices running the affected software might drop User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets under certain conditions which creates performance and other problems for protocols based on UDP. For instance, some websites may load slower on affected devices and VPN services using UDP may be slower as well. Microsoft is working on a fix that it plans to roll out in its October security update next week.

Finally, the software giant has confirmed compatibility issues with the Cốc Cốc browser on Windows 11. In some instances, the browser might be unable to open and on some devices, this might cause other issues or errors. Microsoft is investigating the issue and says it will provide an update when more information is available.

Compatibility issues are just par for the course when using a new operating system but by confirming the issues discussed above are affecting users, Microsoft is one step closer to coming up with a solution for them.

Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

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