How to Fix Mouse and Keyboard Issues in VMware Fusion

Edited 1 month ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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VMware Fusion is a popular virtualization application that allows you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on your Mac. Although it generally works well, sometimes users encounter problems with mouse and keyboard functionality in virtual machines. These problems can be inconvenient, but the good news is that they can often be fixed with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we'll learn how to troubleshoot and fix mouse and keyboard problems in VMware Fusion.

Understanding VMware Fusion

Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, it's important to understand how VMware Fusion works. VMware Fusion creates a virtual environment for various operating systems (virtual machines) to run on top of the macOS operating system. This means that your physical hardware, including your mouse and keyboard, is shared between macOS and any virtual machines. This sharing can sometimes cause conflicts or malfunctions.

Step-by-step troubleshooting guide

Below are detailed steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve any mouse or keyboard issues you may encounter in VMware Fusion.

Step 1: Check your hardware

Before you tackle VMware Fusion-specific settings, make sure your hardware is working properly:

• Verify that your mouse and keyboard are working correctly on the host (macOS).
• If possible, connect your mouse and keyboard to different USB ports, as a bad port can cause connectivity issues.
• Restart your Mac to make sure all drivers and configurations are reset.

Step 2: Update VMware Fusion

Running an older version of VMware Fusion can cause bugs, including input device issues. Follow these steps:

• Open VMware Fusion.
• In the menu bar, click VMware Fusion, then select Check for Updates.
• Install any available updates.
• Restart VMware Fusion and check if the issue persists.

Step 3: Reinstall VMware Tools

VMware Tools is a suite of utilities that enhances virtual machine performance and improves mouse and keyboard interaction. Sometimes, a corrupted VMware Tools installation can cause input problems:

• There was a problem starting the virtual machine.
• In the menu bar, click Virtual Machines, then select Reinstall VMware Tools. This will mount a virtual CD in your guest operating system.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall VMware Tools.
• Reboot the virtual machine after the installation is complete.

Step 4: Check the virtual machine settings

Incorrect settings in VMware Fusion can also cause input problems:

• Make sure the virtual machine has enough allocated resources. VMs with less capacity may not process input events smoothly.
• Open VMware Fusion, select the problematic virtual machine, and click Settings.
• Check the Advanced section and verify that Enable mouse and keyboard integration is selected.
• Restart the virtual machine to apply the changes.

Step 5: Adjust input preferences

Customizing input preferences can sometimes help fix problems:

• In VMware Fusion, open Preferences from the top menu.
• Switch to the Keyboard & Mouse tab.
• Explore options like Sensitivity and Acceleration, and adjust them to see if that solves your problems.

Step 6: Reset the PRAM/NVRAM

Resetting the parameter RAM (PRAM) or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) on your Mac may fix problems with USB devices:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
• Keep holding these keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound twice.
• Release the keys and let your Mac boot up normally.
• Verify whether the issue is resolved in VMware Fusion.

Step 7: Monitor application conflicts

Sometimes, third-party applications may interfere with mouse and keyboard functions in VMware Fusion:

• Check your macOS startup applications to see if there are any third-party applications that might be causing conflicts.
• Temporarily disable these applications and restart VMware Fusion.
• Check if the mouse and keyboard functionality has improved.

Step 8: Use macOS Safe Mode

Booting your Mac into Safe Mode can help figure out if background processes are causing the problem:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Turn it back on while holding down Shift key until you see the login screen. This enters Safe Mode.
• Launch VMware Fusion and check if mouse and keyboard problems persist in this mode.
• If the issue is resolved, it may indicate a conflict with a system extension or application.

Step 9: Check the guest OS settings

Make sure the operating system in the virtual machine is configured correctly:

• Make sure that the device drivers under the guest OS are updated.
• Some operating systems may have specific settings or services that affect mouse and keyboard performance. Double-check these settings and consider reinstalling the device driver if needed.

Conclusion

By systematically troubleshooting the issue and following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most mouse and keyboard problems you encounter in VMware Fusion. Remember, software environments are subject to many variables, and solutions may vary for different setups. If you've tried all the steps and the problem persists, refer to VMware's support documentation or contact VMware's support team for further assistance.

We hope this guide has been helpful in helping you with your VMware Fusion mouse and keyboard issues. Virtual machines are powerful tools that, once properly configured and running smoothly, can greatly enhance your productivity and computing experience.

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