Workstation 17 "EFI Network Timeout"

[Slator]

Workstation 17, Windows 11 Install Error:  "EFI Network Error" & "Timeout"

Workstation 17 Windows 11 install halts...

Workstation 17.0.2, build-21581411

Host Computer: Intel NUC, i7-10710U, 32 GB memory, Samsung 970 Pro SSD, 500GB

Windows 10 Pro:  Version 22H2, Build 19045.3324

 

 

[Slator]

PROBLEM SOLVED:

This issue is being caused by a “glitch”/anomaly in the Create VM process for Windows 11.

• The WS17 + Win11 Create VM (DOES NOT) (automatically) enter/simulate the Microsoft Windows Installer “Touch any key…” method.

• This is not true for WS17 + Win10 Create VM  -  The WS17 + Win11 Create VM DOES (automatically) enter/simulate the Microsoft Windows Installer “Touch any key…” method.

 

WORKAROUND:

NOTE: This issue CANNOT be resolved (only) by pressing “any key” on the keyboard because the WS17 VM (most likely) does not (yet) have the focus during this stage of the Create VM process.

 

Workaround Steps:

(1) As soon as the Microsoft Windows Installer displays the  “Touch any key,,,” prompt, execute a left-button mouse click on the VM’s window.

(2) Immediately touch any key.

The Microsoft Window will be displayed and the Windows 11 installation will continue.

NOTE (a):  The user needs to be quick  --  once the “Touch any key,,,” prompt is displayed, the user has only a few seconds before the Create VM process halts and the EFI Timeout error is displayed.

NOTE (b):  If the EFI Timeout Error is displayed, Power-off the machine then Power-on again & be quicker... 

[VMware Community Member]

Yep worked exactly like you said.