Install Workstation Pro 17: Fix failed to initialise library for mounting and unmounting virtual disks

VMware Workstation powers virtualization for optimal system utilization. VMware Workstation uses virtual hard disks to simulate the storage capabilities of physical hard drives within virtual machines. Please see how to fix “Error 0xc1420117: The directory could not be completely unmounted“, how to Mount an ISO image in Windows 10 and 11, and how to install Windows Server 2022 on VMware Workstation(Opens in a new browser tab). In this guide, we will discuss the steps to “Install Workstation Pro 17: Fix failed to initialise library for mounting and unmounting virtual disks”.

Note: Per the release notes, this function is no longer available in 17.x. This is because, the hasn’t worked correctly since 16.1.2 (i.e. none of the 16.2.x versions).

Why was the error “initialise library for mounting and unmounting virtual disks” prompted?

This error happens when you wish to Map Virtual Disks on VMware Workstation. You may want to review event viewer entries for more detailed error messages or clues about what might be causing the initialization failure.

The error message “failed to initialize library for mounting and unmounting virtual disks” shows an issue with initializing a library responsible for handling the mounting and unmounting of virtual disks.

Please see Install Mendeley Reference Manager: How to integrate Mendeley Cite for Microsoft Word on Mac. Also, see how to Map a Network Drive, and “How to fix Client Certificate Mapping Authentication error“.

Solution

The steps below were relevant for my environment in order to resolve the issue depending on the version you are running.

Ensure that all the necessary libraries and dependencies required for mounting and unmounting virtual disks are installed and properly configured. 

Also, Check if there is sufficient disk space available on the system where the virtual disks are located. Lack of disk space can lead to initialization failures.

Check the status of relevant services or daemons associated with virtual disk management. Ensure that these services are running without issues.

Ensure that all relevant software components, including virtualisation software or disk management tools, are up to date with the latest patches and updates.

Fix 1: Download VDDK-SDK-for-Windows

This fix might now work if you are on VMware Workstation 16.x. But on versions below.

To fix this issue, please navigate to the VMware Customer Connect download product page.

Note: login is required to download the VDDK SDK for Windows. Next, run the VDDK-SDK-for-Windows executable file.

On the VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit, click Next!

Click on Next on the End user license agreement after reading

Accept the License Agreement

I am fine with the default installation folder. You can change this if you wish.

Install VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK)

Finish the installation

If the above steps does not resolve your issue. I would recommend reinstalling VMware Workstation or rolling back to the previous version lesser than v16.x. For me, I prefer installing a newer version since this feature has been discontinued in version 17.

Fix 2: Install a New Version of Workstation 17

You can initiate the update and upgrade from the Workstation console by clicking on check updates.

You will be redirected to the VMware Customer Connect to download the executable file.

Run the file as shown below.

Click on Next

Accept the license terms

Select Windows Hypervisor Platform is enabled on the Windows host, the Microsoft Hypervisor API is used instead of the ring 0 VMM. The minimum CPU requirement becomes Sandy Bridge. This can lead to the issues “Fix the Processor does not support xsave on VMware Workstation”, and “the VM is running with side-channel mitigations enabled on VMware Workstation”.

The Windows Hypervisor Platform is a technology built into the Microsoft Windows operating system that enables the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs) on Windows. It is a type 1 hypervisor that runs directly on the host hardware, allowing multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine

Select the following features below

You can decide to join VMware customer improvement experience. Also, select check for updates on startup. This is for lab demonstration, so I am fine this this.

I want both options. Select Next!

Upgrade VMware Workstation as shown below.

Here is the installation progress

Installation has completed

You will be required to reboot. Click YES!

License VMware Pro Workstation

Upon restart, you will be required to enter your license. 

You can choose the second option if you do not have a license.

Click Finish

I hope you found this article useful on “Install Workstation Pro 17: Fix failed to initialise library for mounting and unmounting virtual disks”. Please feel free to leave a comment below.