I can’t update Windows 10 because VirtualBox needs to be uninstalled

Question

Problem: Solution: I can’t update Windows 10 because VirtualBox needs to be uninstalled

Hi, I need help. Last week, I was getting notifications that I need to manually uninstall VirtualBox because the app is not compatible with Windows 10. I have tried to do it through Control Panel, but VirtualBox just doesn’t appear in the list. Because of this, I can’t update Windows either.

Resolved answer

VirtualBox is a third-party virtualization application that allows users to emulate any operating system, including any version of Windows Linux, Hackintosh, and more. Because the app is open-source software, it is extremely popular and many people use it for one reason or another.

During its operation, VirtualBox uses the operating system where it is installed and runs the operating system of your choice above this layer, without the need for specialized hardware for it. This environment is commonly referred to as a “virtual machine”.

There have been several reports on Microsoft forums and other technical forums that users are being asked to manually uninstall VirtualBox so that Windows can be successfully updated. This is the message they get:

What needs your attention

The following things need your attention to continue the installation and keep your Windows settings, personal files, and apps.

Virtual box
Uninstall this app because it isn’t compatible with Windows 10.

Unfortunately, many people have said that they were unable to uninstall VirtualBox manually via Control Panel or Applications and Features, as the program entry is simply not there. Interestingly, many users who have reported this problem said that they never installed or used the app on their system before.

The error message doesn’t help you understand the situation either, as it sounds very generic – just like most generic Windows error messages. Because of this, users are stuck with the current version of the operating system.

The reason why Windows asks you to uninstall VirtualBox and why you cannot find it on your system is because other applications are using its functionality for emulation purposes. Therefore, to solve this and be able to update Windows again, you should check if you have another emulation program installed on your system.

If you use VirtualBox, you should delete the registry entries and leftover files to properly remove the app. Below you will find several tips that should help you get rid of the problem.

1. Remove remnants from VirtualBox

First of all, check if the app is installed:

• Writes Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
• Go to Programs> Uninstall a program
• Scroll down the list
• If you find the VirtualBox entry, right click, select Uninstall and follow the instructions on the screen.

Once done, proceed to delete the remaining files on your computer (note: make sure to show the Hidden elements in File Explorer as explained below):

• Writes % localappdata% in Windows search and press Enter
• Find the folder .virtualbox and delete it by pressing Shift + Del
• Writes % userprofile% in windows search find the correlative entry and delete it as well
• Press Windows + E to open the File Browser
• Go to the folder C: / Program Files / Oracle / VirtualBox and delete the folder

2. Use the official installer

With the original installer, you are guaranteed the option to remove the program, so you should try this option:

• Download the VirtualBox installer from the official website
• When it downloads, run the file .exe double clicking on it
• At some point in the installation process, you will be asked if you want install, repair or remove the software – choose the last option and proceed with the on-screen instructions
• Once done, reboot your pc.

3. Check another emulation program

As we have already mentioned, one of the main reasons why users cannot see VirtualBox installed on their system is because other apps use certain elements of it. Therefore, in order to get rid of the problem, you should uninstall all the emulators that you have installed, for example, Bluestacks, Android Studio, Nemu, XQEMU, etc. Some people say that LD Player he was to blame for the problem.

If you had any of these programs present on your computer, you should delete all the remaining files as explained before. Checking the registry is also advisable – proceed to the next solution.

4. Check the registry

Dealing with the Windows registry is relatively risky, as deleting important keys or values ​​can cause serious problems. Therefore, if you want to clean your registry of remnants of the software, we strongly recommend that you do it automatically with a repair tool such as ReimageMac Washing Machine X9. Otherwise, please backup your registry before proceeding.

Before checking or following manual steps, please make sure you disconnect your computer from the internet, turn off OneDrive, Google Drive or other invasive system tools.

• Writes regedit in Windows search and press Enter
• When the User Control Account, click on Yes
• Click on Edit> Find Next
• Writes VirtualBox and press Enter or click on Find next
• Delete all found folders, keys and values.

Remember that the reason you cannot uninstall VirtualBox is because there may be another emulation program installed on your system, so use the same principle using the name of the software.

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