VMware Workstation 17.6.4 build-24832109 window is frozen

[Wayne LIU]

When I use VMware on the Windows 11 24H2 system, after minimizing the program window, I cannot switch it back to the front for display after a period of time.

When I right-click to open it again from the system tray, the window pops up to the front but doesn't respond at all.

[Octopus]

1. Disable Accelerated 3D Graphics
Go to VM Settings → Display.
Uncheck Accelerate 3D graphics.
Restart the VM and the VMware Workstation app.

2. Force Classic Compatibility Mode
Right-click on vmware.exe (located in C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Workstation).
Go to Properties > Compatibility tab.
Enable:
"Run this program in compatibility mode for" → Select Windows 10
"Disable fullscreen optimizations"
Apply and restart.

3. Use Keyboard to Force Window Restore
When VMware is unresponsive:
Press Alt + Tab to try switching.
If it doesn’t appear, press Alt + Space, then press R (to "Restore" window).
If still stuck, try Win + D (show desktop), then launch again from system tray.
Sometimes the window is off-screen or out of focus and needs to be nudged back.

4. Check for VMware Workstation Updates
Make sure you're running the latest version of VMware Workstation Pro or Player:
Go to Help > Software Updates
Or manually download latest from Broadcom's VMware portal
As of now (Aug 2025), not all versions of VMware Workstation are fully certified against Windows 11 24H2.

5. Disable Windows “Remember window locations” Feature
Windows 11 added features that remember app window positions across monitors and DPI scaling. Disable this:
Go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple Displays
Turn off:
“Remember window locations based on monitor connection”
“Minimize windows when a monitor is disconnected”