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lcebula
Contributor
Contributor

VMWare Fusion - Unsupported macOS version

Recently upgraded to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1.  Also, changed from Eset to Norton 360.  Now when I try to run VMWare Fusion latest version (I can't get to run enough to show the version) I get an error "Unsupported MacOS Version".

12 Replies
wila
Immortal
Immortal

Hi,

That normally means that you are on Fusion 11..

Fusion 11 does not work on macOS Big Sur. Only Fusion 12 works on Big Sur, because apple has made significant changes to their operating system.

If you are using VMware Fusion for personal use then you can now use a free version of VMware Fusion.

See also:

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2088571

https://blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2020/09/fusion-12-now-available.html

Perhaps the free Fusion Player 12 will work for you. (there's a link in the 2nd article)

Please note that if that link doesn't work and you are using Firefox, then try again using Safari or a private window.

--
Wil

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
uri-nevvon
Contributor
Contributor

Hi,

 

We just purchased a license for VMWare 11.5 in August. Now after upgraded to Big Sur it's useless. Does it mean I have to pay for upgrade/license in order to use the product I only had for 3 months?

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scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

@uri-nevvon 

Please read the Technology Guarantee Program section of this article: https://blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2020/08/announcing-fusion-12-and-workstation-16.html

 


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Although I am a VMware employee I contribute to VMware Communities voluntarily (ie. not in any official capacity)
VMware Training & Certification blog
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lcebula
Contributor
Contributor

I solved my problem by upgrading to Fusion 12.  Everything is peachy now.

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borizuka8907
Contributor
Contributor

I swear, everytime Apple releases a new major OS you then 'have' to upgrade. 

What a great business model. I think this is the third time around. Time to switch i think.

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wila
Immortal
Immortal

Hi,

Easy to complain if apple changes the game and disallows kernel modules... thereby forcing VMware to use apple's hypervisor instead of their own...

Also seems that you missed that VMware released a FREE version of VMware Fusion that you can use.

--
Wil

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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ColoradoMarmot
Champion
Champion

I wonder what business model they think VMWare should use?  Maybe finding students who need unpaid interships?

I wish they'd just go to a subscription model so the whining stops.

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coolpontiac
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

i had paid for my Fusion 10 license . then upgraded to macos big sur

now trying to download the fusion 11 free license but the 'download manually' link doesnt respond .  any suggestions?

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scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

@coolpontiac 

You need Fusion 12 on Big Sur, not 11.

And there was no “free licence” for 11, only 12.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although I am a VMware employee I contribute to VMware Communities voluntarily (ie. not in any official capacity)
VMware Training & Certification blog
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wila
Immortal
Immortal

Hi,

Downloading the VMware Fusion 12 installer should be no problem.
It can for instance be done here:
https://vmware.com/go/getfusion

If you are having problems accessing the page for the license itself then my suggestion is to try another browser. If that still doesn't work, try private mode.

--
Wil

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
coolpontiac
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

thanks. I should clarify...  i meant to say i had paid for Fusion  11 and was using it just fine on MacOS Catalina

now that i upgraded to Big Sur, it is my understanding that i can get a free upgrade from F11 to F12 for personal use ?

 

 

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wila
Immortal
Immortal

Hi,

Yes, there is a free VMware Fusion Player nowadays that has the same functionality as the old -non professional- version of VMware Fusion.

See here:
https://www.vmware.com/go/getfusionplayer

and a few more relevant links:
https://communities.vmware.com/t5/VMware-Fusion-Discussions/VMware-Fusion-Player-Personal-Use-Licens...

and:
https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=fusion-player-personal

Hope this helps,
--
Wil

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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