Guest Introspection Network Driver (vnetWFP.sys) may fail to load (after reboot) when VMware Tools is upgraded while Windows defender is active

Products

• VMware NSX for vSphere

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• The Guest Introspection Network Driver (vnetWFP.sys) may fail to load after VMware tools upgrade. This problem may occur if Windows Defender is running and Reboot after tools upgrade is delayed.
• This is a known interop issue with Windows Defender and specific to Windows 10 and Windows 2016 .

Environment

VMware NSX for vSphere 6.4.x
VMware NSX for vSphere 6.3.x

Resolution

This issue is resolved in VMware tools 10.2.0 and later versions. This Issue doesn't occur when you are upgrading from VMware Tools 10.2.0 to higher VMware Tools versions.

Workaround:
Reboot Immediately when the VMware Tools installer prompts for a reboot after upgrade.