Windows Server VMs randomly do not respond to ALT+CTRL+DELETE via virtual console
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Windows Server VMs randomly do not respond to ALT+CTRL+DELETE via virtual console

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Article ID: 443096

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Updated On:

Products

VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

You may observe the following symptoms and behaviors when troubleshooting:

  • The CTRL + ALT + DELETE command fails when accessing the VM console of Windows Servers through the vSphere Client (vCenter web console), the ESXi Host Client, or the VMware Remote Console (VMRC).

  • The problem is isolated to a single VM. Other VMs residing on the exact same ESXi host function normally and respond to console commands.

  • You can successfully connect to the affected VM using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), where the CTRL + ALT + DELETE command functions correctly directly within the guest operating system.

  • When the affected VM is booted into Safe Mode, the CTRL + ALT + DELETE console command works as expected.

Cause

The exact root cause requires further isolation. Because the command works in Safe Mode and via RDP, the issue likely stems from either a conflicting service/driver within the normal Guest OS image, or an issue specifically tied to the virtual keyboard device.

Resolution

This is a condition that may occur in a VMware vCenter  environment.

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