Alex Ruben
How To Resolve VMware Workstation Error: Failed To Start The VMware Authorization Service
If you’re running into the “VMware Workstation failed to start the VMware Authorization Service” error, it’s usually some kind of hiccup with that service not kicking in or being blocked. Not sure why it happens, but on some setups, this stubborn service just refuses to start without a bit of nudging. Here’s how to troubleshoot and hopefully get things working again.
Step 1: Access Services
First thing’s first, you gotta get into the Services console:
- Hit Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand hit Enter.
This pops open the Service Manager where all the magic (or chaos) happens. Sometimes you’ll find the VMware Authorization Service isn’t running, and that’s the root of the problem.
Step 2: Locate VMware Authorization Service
Once inside the services window, scroll down (or search) for VMware Authorization Service. If it’s not starting or shows as stopped, that’s where the trouble might lie:
- Double-click on the VMware Authorization Service.
Step 3: Configure the Service Startup Type
This part helps ensure the service fires up every time you start Windows—no manual start needed every time:
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- If it’s not running, hit the Start button (sometimes it’s grayed out, so you might need to tweak permissions).
- Click OK.
Sometimes, Windows doesn’t set services to start automatically by default, which can confuse VMware. Setting it to auto usually helps.
Step 4: Restart the VMware Authorization Service
Next, give it a quick restart:
- Click Stop then Start again in the same properties window. Not sure why, but this sometimes kicks the service into gear.
- Close the services window and see if VMware starts now.
Step 5: Reboot Your Computer
If it still refuses to work, rebooting is the classic move. Rebooting clears out any lingering issues that might be blocking the service from properly initializing. It’s a pain, but hey, Windows has to make things harder than necessary sometimes.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here’s what else might trip you up:
- Make sure your user account has admin rights—without that, starting/stopping system services is a no-go.
- Check your security software—sometimes antivirus or firewall blocks the service from running. Temporarily disable or whitelist VMware services if needed.
- If you keep getting an “Access Denied” error, double-check your user account is part of the Administrators group.
- Some folks had to run the VMware services as administrator or tweak the permissions on the service executable located in
C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Workstation.
Conclusion
Getting this service to start is often a matter of setting it to auto and restarting. Sometimes, security software or permissions get in the way, so don’t forget to check those. Once VMware can grab the authority it needs, the virtual machines should fire right up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the VMware Authorization Service to fail to start?
Usually misconfigured service settings, missing permissions, or conflicts with security apps do the trick. Sometimes Windows updates mess with it too.
How can I check if VMware is properly installed?
Check the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Workstation for version info, or try launching VMware. If it opens without errors, you’re good.
What should I do if the problem persists?
Uninstall then reinstall VMware. Make sure to run the installer as admin. If that doesn’t cut it, look into Windows event logs for clues or consider repairing Windows system files with sfc /scannow.
Summary
- Set VMware Authorization Service to Automatic
- Restart the service — stop and start again
- Reboot if necessary
- Check permissions & security software
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. No guarantees, but it’s worked on multiple setups more than once.