Platform key not updated in Windows based Virtual machines with vTPM & Secure Boot enabled even when the VMware Tools 13.1.5 or later is installed and Windows OS is updated to the supported Version/Patch

Products

• VMware Desktop Hypervisor

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms

1. Upgrade to Workstation 26h1u1 or later.
2. Power on VM.
3. First upgraded to the latest bundled VMtools(13.1.5 or later) and restart the VM.
4. Next power off the VM and Enable Secure Boot from VM Settings. Power on the VM.
5. Platform key is not updated.
   
   OR

1. Upgrade to Workstation 26h1u1 or later.
2. Power on VM.
3. First upgraded to the latest bundled VMtools(13.1.5 or later) and restart the VM.
4. Next from inside the Windows VM, updated the Windows version to the supported patch and restart the VM when prompted by the OS. Power on the VM.
5. Platform key is not updated.

Environment

• Workstation 26H1u1
• Fusion 26H1u1

Cause

This issue is occurring because the installation of VMware Tools 13.1.5 or later is happening prior to the Windows Patch version update or Secure boot enablement.

Resolution

Follow one of the below resolution steps

Option 1

1. Uninstall VMtools 13.1.5 from Control Panel and again Install VMtools 13.1.5 and restart the VM, Platform key should be updated.

Option 2

1. Begin the reinstall VMtools 13.1.5 using Modify/Repair.
2. On the Custom Setup screen on the Installer window, select the entry of "Platform Key Firmware" for which by default "Entire feature will be unavailable" is selected with a "x" mark.
3. Open the dropdown where "x" mark is present, select either "Will be installed on local hard drive" or "Entire feature will be installed on local hard drive", proceed & complete the VMtools Reinstall followed by VM restart, Platform key should be updated.

Additional Information

For more information regarding Platform key update for Virtual machines on VMware Workstation and VMware Fusion, refer to this article- Manual Update of the Secure Boot Platform Key in Virtual Machines running on Workstation