Troubleshooting a slow network connection in VMware Workstation

Products

• VMware Desktop Hypervisor

Issue/Introduction

This article provides steps to troubleshoot a slow network connection in a Windows virtual machine deployed inside VMware Workstation on a Windows host.

Symptoms:

• Networking performance to and from the host and/or virtual machines is not optimal
• Network performance is slow
• Network data transfer rate in virtual machines is slower than in the host

Environment

VMware Workstation Pro 14.x (for Windows)
VMware Workstation 8.x (Windows)
VMware Workstation Pro 15.x (Windows)
VMware Workstation 9.x (Windows)
VMware Workstation 10.x (Windows)
VMware Workstation 7.x (Windows)
VMware Workstation 11.x (for Windows)

Resolution

The steps are ordered in the most appropriate sequence to isolate the issue and to identify the proper resolution. They are also ordered in the most appropriate sequence to minimize data loss. After completing each step, check your network connection again. Work through each troubleshooting step in order, and do not skip a step.

To troubleshoot a slow network connection:

1. Determine if the issue is happening in both Bridged and NAT mode, or only in one of these modes. For more information, see Understanding networking types in hosted products (1006480).
   
   Note: If the issue occurs only in Bridged mode, the issue is caused by your gateway or router. Investigate your router configuration, or contact your ISP, to resolve the issue.
    
2. Confirm that your virtual machine's firewall is not restricting the Internet access. For information on turning off your firewall, see:
    
   • Windows XP: Microsoft article How can I turn on or turn off the firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions?
   • Windows Vista: Microsoft article Turn Windows Firewall on or off
   • Windows 7: Microsoft article Turn Windows Firewall on or off
   • Windows 8: Microsoft article
     
     Warning: Turning off your firewall can leave your computer open to attack. This is a troubleshooting step only. If turning off the firewall resolves the issue, consult the operating system's documentation for instructions to configure it properly, so that it does not completely block this connection.
      
3. Confirm that your virtual machine's antivirus program is not restricting the Internet access. Consult the Help menu of the antivirus program or see the manufacturer's documentation for instructions on configuring it correctly.
    
4. Run an anti-virus (as well as anti-spyware and anti-malware) scan in your virtual machine to confirm that no malicious software is installed.
    
5. In Workstation, click VM > Power > Shut Down Guest to shut down the virtual machine.
    
6. Reboot your Host machine.
    
7. Confirm that VMware Workstation services are working properly in the Host OS. For more information, see Determining the status of VMware host services (1003850).
    
8. Rule out any software conflict on the Host machine by disabling all non-VMware and non-Microsoft services using the msconfig command. For more information, see:
    
   • Windows XP: Microsoft article How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
   • Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8: Microsoft article How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista
   •  
9. Start VMware Workstation and power on the virtual machine.
    
10. Update the Windows network adapter in the Device Manager:
     
    1. Start the virtual machine.
    2. Click Start, right-click My Computer, then click Manage.
    3. Click Device Manager in the left pane.
    4. Click the arrow to expand the Network Adapters section.
    5. Right-click your Ethernet Controller in the list (the name may vary) and click Update Driver Software.
    6. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    7. If the driver is not automatically detected:
       • Repeat Step 5 above and click Browse my computer for driver software.
       • Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
       • Select VMware Accelerated AMD PCNet Adapter (for Windows XP) or Intel Pro/1000 MT Network Connection (for Windows Vista and Windows 7).
    8. Click Close.
    9. Restart Windows.
        
11. Uninstall and reinstall all network adapters in the Device Manager:
     
    1. Start the virtual machine.
    2. Click Start, right-click My Computer, then click Manage.
    3. Click Device Manager in the left pane.
    4. Click the arrow to expand the Network Adapters section.
    5. Right click Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection and click Uninstall.
    6. In the menu bar, click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    7. Restart Windows.
        
12. Download and reinstall VMware Workstation. This ensures that you have the most recent version, and that any missing or corrupted virtual network settings are replaced or repaired.

Additional Information

Determining the status of VMware host services
Understanding networking types in hosted products
VMware Workstation での遅いネットワーク接続のトラブルシューティング