Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
ð Use coupons DVE62 for 62% off on Office products while DVE50 for 50% off on Windows products: https://shopn.run/8Pbr0Cdi
ð Are you seeing the âThis virtual machine appears to be in useâ error in VMware Workstation and canât start your virtual machine? In this video, Iâll show you how to fix this VMware error step by step and get your VM running again.
This problem commonly appears after a Windows system crash, Blue Screen error (CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT), forced shutdown, or when VMware is closed unexpectedly. In many cases, VMware thinks the virtual machine is still running even though it isnât, and youâll need to solve the ownership and lock file issue properly.
You may encounter messages like:
This virtual machine appears to be in use.
If this virtual machine is not in use, press the Take Ownership button to obtain ownership of it.
Otherwise, press Cancel to avoid damaging it.
Configuration file: C:\VMs\.123.vmx
This tutorial also helps you repair virtual machines that fail to start after upgrading VMware Workstation Pro (for example from version 17.5.2 to 17.6). Some users see the âFailed to start the virtual machineâ error due to unsupported VMX variables, which we safely correct in this guide.
If VMware cannot open your VM, this video explains how to remove leftover lock files, restore missing virtual machines, and safely access your VM without data loss. By following these steps, you can finally get rid of the âvirtual machine appears to be in useâ message for good.
âïž Works on:
All VMware Workstation versions and editions
(VMware Workstation Pro, Player, 12, 15, 16, 17, 17.5, 17.6, and older)
All Windows versions: Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7 (all editions)
Laptop, PC, desktop, and computer
ð» Compatible with most laptop & PC brands:
Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony VAIO, LG, Microsoft Surface, Huawei, Razer, Fujitsu, Gigabyte, Alienware, and more.
This step-by-step guide is ideal if VMware says your virtual machine is already running when itâs not, or if clicking Take Ownership doesnât work. Follow the full tutorial to safely restore your VM and prevent this error from happening again.
â± Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 â Intro
0:10 - How to fix the âThis virtual machine appears to be in useâ error in VMware Workstation
1:42 - More VMware Suggested Videos
ðº More Related Videos
â¶ïž VMware + Virtualbox Tutorials : youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4kpFLbmz4Lv_rHeYXRtnwmF
â¶ïž Windows 11 Tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4lzGCbhRYBPhCB8vFncdToj
â¶ïž Windows 10 Tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4leA44bjCdxOg4u4sGB1ZGQ
ð Support This Channel
If you found this video helpful, please:
âïž Like the video
âïž Subscribe for more helpful content: bit.ly/Click-Here-To-Sub
âïž Comment your questions or feedback
âïž Share with friends so they can benefit too
ð² Donate via PayPal to support: paypal.com/paypalme/VictorExplains
â Buy Me a Coffee: If you'd like to support the channel directly, every coffee helps a ton! ko-fi.com/victorexplains
ð Upgrade Your Tech : amazon.com/shop/victorexplains
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â Have a Question?
Drop your question in the comments below or reach out via social media. Iâll try to respond as soon as possible âïž.
ð¢ Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 allows for âfair useâ for teaching, comment, research, and more.
ð Hashtags
#VMwareWorkstation #VirtualMachineError #Windows11Fix #VictorExplains
ð Use coupons DVE62 for 62% off on Office products while DVE50 for 50% off on Windows products: https://shopn.run/8Pbr0Cdi
ð Are you seeing the âThis virtual machine appears to be in useâ error in VMware Workstation and canât start your virtual machine? In this video, Iâll show you how to fix this VMware error step by step and get your VM running again.
This problem commonly appears after a Windows system crash, Blue Screen error (CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT), forced shutdown, or when VMware is closed unexpectedly. In many cases, VMware thinks the virtual machine is still running even though it isnât, and youâll need to solve the ownership and lock file issue properly.
You may encounter messages like:
This virtual machine appears to be in use.
If this virtual machine is not in use, press the Take Ownership button to obtain ownership of it.
Otherwise, press Cancel to avoid damaging it.
Configuration file: C:\VMs\.123.vmx
This tutorial also helps you repair virtual machines that fail to start after upgrading VMware Workstation Pro (for example from version 17.5.2 to 17.6). Some users see the âFailed to start the virtual machineâ error due to unsupported VMX variables, which we safely correct in this guide.
If VMware cannot open your VM, this video explains how to remove leftover lock files, restore missing virtual machines, and safely access your VM without data loss. By following these steps, you can finally get rid of the âvirtual machine appears to be in useâ message for good.
âïž Works on:
All VMware Workstation versions and editions
(VMware Workstation Pro, Player, 12, 15, 16, 17, 17.5, 17.6, and older)
All Windows versions: Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7 (all editions)
Laptop, PC, desktop, and computer
ð» Compatible with most laptop & PC brands:
Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony VAIO, LG, Microsoft Surface, Huawei, Razer, Fujitsu, Gigabyte, Alienware, and more.
This step-by-step guide is ideal if VMware says your virtual machine is already running when itâs not, or if clicking Take Ownership doesnât work. Follow the full tutorial to safely restore your VM and prevent this error from happening again.
â± Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 â Intro
0:10 - How to fix the âThis virtual machine appears to be in useâ error in VMware Workstation
1:42 - More VMware Suggested Videos
ðº More Related Videos
â¶ïž VMware + Virtualbox Tutorials : youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4kpFLbmz4Lv_rHeYXRtnwmF
â¶ïž Windows 11 Tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4lzGCbhRYBPhCB8vFncdToj
â¶ïž Windows 10 Tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFStktVg2e4leA44bjCdxOg4u4sGB1ZGQ
ð Support This Channel
If you found this video helpful, please:
âïž Like the video
âïž Subscribe for more helpful content: bit.ly/Click-Here-To-Sub
âïž Comment your questions or feedback
âïž Share with friends so they can benefit too
ð² Donate via PayPal to support: paypal.com/paypalme/VictorExplains
â Buy Me a Coffee: If you'd like to support the channel directly, every coffee helps a ton! ko-fi.com/victorexplains
ð Upgrade Your Tech : amazon.com/shop/victorexplains
ð Join Us on Social Media
ð Website: victorexplains.com
ð Facebook: facebook.com/Victorexplains
ðŠ Twitter / X: twitter.com/VictorExplains
ðž Instagram: instagram.com/victorexplains
ð Pinterest: pinterest.co.uk/VictorExplains
â Have a Question?
Drop your question in the comments below or reach out via social media. Iâll try to respond as soon as possible âïž.
ð¢ Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 allows for âfair useâ for teaching, comment, research, and more.
ð Hashtags
#VMwareWorkstation #VirtualMachineError #Windows11Fix #VictorExplains
