Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed [Solved]

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Mac OS X hosts.
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JayS
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Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed [Solved]

Post by JayS »

On macOs 11.6.1 VirtualBox 6.1 starts but when attempting to start the Windows VM, it fails with an error of Kernel Not Installed. Suggestions welcome.
Last edited by JayS on 17. Dec 2021, 16:24, edited 1 time in total.
granada29
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Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by granada29 »

This issue has been covered many times in these forums. It is always a good idea to search and see if your problem is unique or has already been solved.

One day someone may make this a 'sticky' topic but for now take a look at these links.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104589#p509874
or offsite
https://github.com/bryanc-nz/macos-virtualboxinstall
JayS
Posts: 9
Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by JayS »

Thx, I did the search but didn't find this link. Not sure why this happened. VirtualBox has been running successfully on my MacBook Pro for years. Anyway, It appears this requires VirtualBox to be removed, reinstalled and then Windows reinstalled. Is that correct?
granada29
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Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by granada29 »

1. Yes - VirtualBox uninstall/reinstall
2. NO - you do not need to reinstall your Windows VM. It will not be affected by uninstall/reinstall of VirtualBox.
JayS
Posts: 9
Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by JayS »

Granada29,
Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Jay
JayS
Posts: 9
Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by JayS »

Uninstalled VirtualBox using the uninstaller and then reinstalled. VirtualBox opens but the Windows VM won't start. Same error, Kernal driver not installed.
Any suggestions?
Thx
granada29
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Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by granada29 »

@JayS

It's not clear to me that you have followed all the steps outlined in the methods linked above. The important part is to get the Oracle drivers accepted via the Security & Privacy System Preferences pane. The uninstall is just one of the initial steps in the process.
JayS
Posts: 9
Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by JayS »

OK, you got me. There was no prompt to reboot so I didn't. Went through the process again and even through there was no prompt to reboot, I did it anyway and things now work.

With much gratitude,
Jay
granada29
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Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed

Post by granada29 »

I'm glad to know that you got it working. I think, as a general rule of thumb, these days it is always wise to reboot whenever you are installing or uninstalling kernel drivers (kext).

I also think Apple have done an atrocious job with this - it has been a major problem for VirtualBox for several years and the devs have done a great job in spite of the roadblocks that Apple keep putting in their way.

Please edit the title of this topic as [Solved].
JayS
Posts: 9
Joined: 18. Sep 2017, 17:06

Re: Big Sur Virtual box Error Kernel not Installed [Solved]

Post by JayS »

Thanks again. Been around computers long enough to know to always reboot, but just forgot.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
All the best,
Jay
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