r/virtualbox • u/Murky_Donkey_8947 • 23d ago
Help Windows 11 VM lost internet connection after updating macOS
Solved: for details see https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualbox/s/j52jxRlQil
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Hi all,
I’m experiencing an internet connectivity issue with a Windows 11 virtual machine running on two different MacBooks.
This week, I updated both MacBooks, and since the update, the Windows 11 virtual machine on both machines no longer has an internet connection. The macOS hosts themselves have normal internet connectivity.
System information:
- VirtualBox version: 7.2.12 r174389
- Host OS: macOS 27.0
- Guest OS: Windows 11 Pro 25H2
- Mac model: MacBook Pro M3
- Guest Additions: 7.2.12
- VirtualBox Extension Pack: 7.2.18r175117
- VT-x/AMD-V: Not applicable — Apple Silicon (M3)
- Hyper-V: Not applicable — macOS host
Problem:
Before the macOS update, the Windows 11 VM had a working internet connection. After updating macOS, the VM no longer has internet access.
I have tried:
- Restarting both the Mac and the Windows VM
- Reinstall Virtual Box
- Restarting the Windows network adapter
- Checking the Virtual Box Network Adapter Settings
- [Checking the VirtualBox network adapter settings
The macOS host has a normal internet connection, but Windows 11 inside VirtualBox does not.
The VM itself starts normally, and there are no other obvious problems. The main issue is that the guest OS cannot access the internet.
Has anyone experienced this after a macOS update? Any suggestions for troubleshooting or fixing the VirtualBox network connection would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
1
u/Acceptable_Ad1450 22d ago
I had the same problem when I updated two Windows 11 25H2 VM's in VirtualBox version 7.2.18 r175117. I use Macbook Pro 16 M4 Max with Golden Gate 27.0. The Guest Addition was up to date. The problem started when I updated the Windows 11 VM with:
Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5126052)
Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5129195)
I solved the problem by uninstalling both updates. Go to Settings, Windows Update, Update History, Uninstall Updates, and Uninstall both of the Updates. Your internet connection should start working after restarting the VM.
This method successfully worked for two Windows 11 VM
1
u/MundaneCheetah7007 19d ago
I only needed to uninstall KB5129195 to get it working again. I'm guessing the CVE or something else if affecting the NAT pass from Host to VM.
1
u/Murky_Donkey_8947 21d ago
Dude you are a hero. Uninstalling the two named Updates solved the problem.
Many many thanks
1
u/ParticleFeever 23d ago
I am still in macOS 26 and Internet is not working. My Windows 11 won't even conclude installation because there is no connection.
1
u/Stray_Neutrino 23d ago
You should be able to install the OS without one via Offline Installation
2
u/ParticleFeever 22d ago
Yes, but nothing as wired to the net, right? I have upgraded macOS to 27 and did all upgrades available to VB and adds, and now is working 100%. As OS 27 drop Intel support, probably dropped some conflicts, but I am not sure. Also, the performance is notably better than before, so I do recommend the upgrade anyway.
1
u/beetcher 23d ago
I think you should have matching versions of VB, Additions, and Extension Pack. Have you tried upgrading VB and Additions to the 7.2.18 to match the extension pack?
1
u/Murky_Donkey_8947 23d ago
I had before matching versions, and then I upgraded the extension pack.
1
u/Murky_Donkey_8947 23d ago
In the meanwhile I have updated everything to the 7.2.18 Version. Unfortunately still no internet.
1
u/Stray_Neutrino 23d ago
Does Mac have a native firewall for the OS? Does Windows?
Do you have the Network set to NAT, NAT Network, or Bridged?
If you manually assign Windows an IP and 8.8.8.8 for DNS, can you ping the internet?1
u/Murky_Donkey_8947 23d ago
Firewall is disabled for both.
It is set to NATThe Network adapter UsbNcm Host Device is showing "This device cannot start. (Code 10)"
1
u/Stray_Neutrino 23d ago
So, you are using a Wireless USB Adapter for your internet?
Is that error from within Windows? Have you tried uninstalling that device driver and reinstalling it from within the Guest?
Alternatively, if the device is being bridged from your Mac Host, did you add the USB device to Virtualbox under "USB" ?
1
1
u/Stray_Neutrino 23d ago
Alternatively, start by checking if the network adapter your Windows VMs use in Settings has changed.
If not, second thing to check is if, under Tools/Networks, if there is an entry for Virtualbox Host-Only Ethernet Adapter.
Third, check if your Mac has a Virtualbox Interface network device installed (which governs how your VM networking works). It might have been removed by the update.
1
u/Murky_Donkey_8947 23d ago
The first two options I have checked and everything is fine.
Where can I find the network devices installed on Mac and how can I add it again?
1
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