The message “Sorry, this application cannot run under a virtual machine” is the application’s refusal, not proof that Windows is running in a virtual machine. The app may be detecting an actual VM, Windows virtualization features, or a false positive. First establish whether the PC is physical or virtual, then check Windows’ hypervisor information and the app’s support guidance; there is no universal fix.
Use the checks below as diagnostics. If the application intentionally blocks virtual machines, changing Windows settings cannot make that setup officially supported. Contact the app developer or use a supported physical PC.
Choose the right troubleshooting path
| Situation | What it may indicate | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| The app runs inside VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or another VM | The app may intentionally refuse virtual environments | Check the app’s current support policy and ask its developer about supported configurations. |
| The app runs on a physical PC | The app may be reacting to Windows virtualization features or producing a false positive | Check Windows’ hypervisor information and, if appropriate, test a reversible settings change. |
| Only one app shows the message | The cause may be specific to that app’s compatibility policy or detection | Check its patches and support notes, then contact its developer. |
| Several apps show the message | Shared Windows virtualization state may be worth checking | Review available Windows features and hypervisor information. |
These are troubleshooting clues, not rules that identify the cause by themselves.
1. Find out whether Windows is running in a virtual machine
- Ask whether Windows was installed directly on the computer or supplied as a guest in VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or another virtualization product.
- Press Windows key + R, enter msinfo32, and press Enter to open System Information. Review the system details for indications of a virtual platform.
- Open Command Prompt and run systeminfo. Inspect the Hyper-V Requirements or other hypervisor-related output. This is a clue about Windows’ state, not proof of how the app made its decision.
A physical computer can display this error too. Do not conclude that the computer is virtual just because the dialog says so.
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2. Check Windows version and available features
Feature names and availability depend on the Windows version and edition. Windows 10 may offer components such as Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform, Windows Hypervisor Platform, and Windows Sandbox, but not every edition has the same options. Windows 7 does not have the same modern feature set, and Hyper-V is not a normal Windows 7 client feature. Do not expect the same menu or components on every version.
- On supported Windows versions, search for Turn Windows features on or off.
- Review the virtualization-related features that are actually listed. Do not change unrelated options or assume a feature is present if it is not shown.
- Before disabling a feature, consider whether you rely on it for other software. Changes can affect virtualization tools and applications that depend on those features.
3. If appropriate, test whether the Windows hypervisor is involved
A community reply in a Microsoft Q&A thread suggests testing with Hyper-V disabled and restarting. This is a diagnostic test, not a guaranteed repair, and some users in discussion threads report that disabling it did not resolve the error.
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- On a physical PC where you understand the impact, open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run bcdedit /set {current} hypervisorlaunchtype off.
- Restart Windows, then test the affected app.
The setting changes whether the Windows hypervisor launches at boot. It takes effect after a restart and may affect software that relies on virtualization. To restore the setting, run bcdedit /set {current} hypervisorlaunchtype auto in an elevated Command Prompt and restart again. Keep a way to reverse the change before testing it.
If the app still reports a virtual machine, that does not establish that the command failed. The app may be checking other signals or may be producing a false positive.
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4. Check the app’s own compatibility guidance
If Windows is a guest VM, or if the checks above do not explain the refusal, focus on the affected application. Its support notes or developer may clarify whether VMs are supported and whether a patch or compatible configuration exists. An older user report about one game does not establish the current policy for every app or game.
- Check the developer’s current support notes and official patches.
- Record the app name and version, Windows edition and build, hardware model, and whether Windows is running on physical hardware or in a VM.
- Contact the developer with those details and describe the checks you performed.
If the app deliberately blocks VMs, the dependable supported option is to run it on compatible physical hardware or use a configuration the developer explicitly supports.
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5. Avoid blind firmware and registry changes
Do not change UEFI/BIOS virtualization settings or registry values as a generic fix. Disabling firmware virtualization can affect other software, and changing a single registry value may not change an app’s decision. Detection can rely on multiple signals. Follow the computer or app vendor’s guidance before making these changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Does this message prove that my PC is a virtual machine?
No. It is the application’s conclusion. Users have reported seeing it on physical PCs as well as in virtual environments.
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Will disabling Hyper-V fix the error?
Not necessarily. It can be a diagnostic test on an appropriate Windows system, but the app may detect something else or the message may be a false positive. Restart after changing the boot setting.
Do Windows 7 and Windows 10 have the same virtualization options?
No. Windows features vary by version and edition. Windows 7 does not have the same modern virtualization feature set, so do not follow Windows 10 instructions as if every option were available.
What should I do if the app blocks virtual machines?
Check the developer’s current support policy and ask about a compatible build or supported configuration. If VMs are intentionally unsupported, use compatible physical hardware.
What information should I give the app developer?
Provide the app name and version, Windows edition and build, hardware model, whether the installation is physical or virtual, and the troubleshooting steps you tried.
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