Fix VMware Error Code 21001 on Windows 10

January 21, 2023

VMware is virtual software that helps businesses manage multiple applications and systems on a single server. VMware tools are required to enable the features of VMware products for managing operating systems. These tools need regular updates to work properly and improve operating systems. However, these updates sometimes result in users experiencing errors. One such error that is commonly encountered is error code 21001. If you are also one of these users and are facing the same problem, we have the perfect guide for you. With a few fixes, the guide will also tell you the reasons why this VMware tools update fails with error 21001. So, let's get started with this helpful guide right now.

How to Fix VMware Tools Update Error Code 21001 on Windows 10

VMware tools enable features in VMware products that improve the user experience. This set of services helps improve management, improve guest operating systems, and ensure a seamless user experience with the OS. VMware tools help pass information from the host operating system to the guest operating system.

What causes error 21001, VMware Tools cannot be installed?

It has been observed that various causes like the ones mentioned below cause issues that lead to error 21001:

Weak internet connection
Unsupported operating system
Advanced isolation settings
Problems with the Windows registry

There are several methods that can help you update your VMware tools without error. You can try these methods on your system in the order given below to resolve the issue with error code 21001.

Method 1: Troubleshoot your Internet connection

The first thing to take into account is your internet connection. When updating VMware tools, it's important to make sure you have a good internet connection. You can check the same using the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator.

2. Click "Yes" in the User Account Control window.

3. Now type this command and press the Enter key to run the ping test.

ping www.google.com

4. If the ping fluctuates, try running the network troubleshooter. Follow our guide to fix network connection issues in Windows 10.

If the ping response on your screen exceeds 150ms, your internet connection is very slow and you either need to connect to a reliable network or change your network in order to continue installing VMware tools and resolve error code 21001.

Method 2: Check Operating System Compatibility

After checking the Internet connection, you need to check if the operating system you are using is compatible with the VMware tools and if this is the reason for the VMware tools update failing with error 21001. The OS must be fully certified to avoid errors when updating the tools. . Check the VMware Compatibility Guide to learn more about the appropriate system required to install the tools.

Method 3: Reboot the guest operating system

Another simple solution to a problem that occurs when installing VMware software tools is to reboot the guest operating system. It's entirely possible that a simple OS reboot could help you with error 21002. Read our 6 Ways to Restart or Reboot Your Windows 10 PC guide if you're using a Windows guest operating system.

Method 3: Choose the correct operating system

The next method that is extremely helpful in resolving error code 21001 is to check if the correct operating system is selected for installing VMware tools. You can check this by connecting to the ESX/ESXi host where your virtual machine resides. Follow these steps to check the selected operating system:

1. First, select the virtual machine on which you are trying to install the tools.

2. Then click the Actions drop-down menu and select the Change Settings option.

3. Then select the Options tab.

4. Now make sure that the correct guest operating system is selected in the properties window of the virtual machine.

5. Then click OK.

Method 4: Check Corrupted ISO Image

A corrupted ISO image can also cause error code 21001 when installing VMware tools. So make sure your ISO is valid to avoid installation failures by doing the following:

1. Connect to an ESX/ESXi host.

2. Log in as a user with privileges.

3. Now change directory to /vmimages/tools-isoimages for VMware ESX/ESXi 3.5.x or higher hosts.

4. For older versions of ESX use /usr/lib/vmware/isoimages.

5. Now type md5sum xxx.iso and press Enter, where xxx is the name of the ISO image.

6. Now write the output for md5sum to check if the ISO image is corrupted.

Method 5: Manually Install VMware Tools

Sometimes, due to the disabled autorun option, error 21001 can occur, preventing the installation of VMware tools. In such a case, you can try manually installing VMware tools to avoid such an error. Follow these steps to manually launch the VMware Tools installer:

1. Connect to the ESX server or VirtualCenter server using the VI client.

2. Now right click on the virtual machine where you want to install the VMware tools.

3. Then click OK or Install when prompted.

4. If the installer does not launch, launch the Run dialog box from the guest operating system.

5. Enter D:setup.exe in it.

6. Click OK to start the VMware tools installation process.

Hence, these are the methods to fix VMware tools update failure with error code 21001.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do I need to reboot the system after updating VMware tools?

Answer A system update is required if you are using VMware Tools version 5.1 on a version of Windows older than Vista. Also, if you have installed one or more of the VMware tools components, a reboot is required.

Q2. Do VMware tools need to be updated?

Answer Although updating VMware Tools is optional, it is still recommended to install the update to improve your experience with VMware.

Q3. What is the importance of VMware tools?

Answer VMware tools are needed to improve video resolution, color depth, mouse performance, audio, network adapter performance, and more.

Q4. Why is VMware tools installation disabled?

Answer If the installation of VMware tools is disabled, it may be because the guest machine does not have a virtual optical drive. Also, if your guest system where you are trying to install the VMware tools is already mounted, the problem may occur.

Q5. Are outdated VMware tools causing the problem?

Answer Yes, outdated VMware tools can cause issues such as increased CPU usage or system performance issues.

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All in all, it's safe to say that VMware's tools really improve the way the operating system works, as well as improve many other features. These tools also require timely updates to keep them running well. We hope our guide has helped resolve issues such as error code 21001, which is commonly encountered when updating VMware tools. Leave your comment below, telling us which method helped you with this. Also, leave your suggestions and questions you have for us below.