Pradip
15 Dec, 2025
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3 Mins Read

Fixing VirtualBox Error: VERR_VM_DRIVER_VERSION_MISMATCH (-1912)

Fixing VirtualBox Error: VERR_VM_DRIVER_VERSION_MISMATCH (rc=-1912) on Windows

VirtualBox is one of the most widely used virtualization tools for developers, DBAs, and learners. However, Windows users often face a frustrating startup issue:

RTR3InitEx failed with rc=-1912
VERR_VM_DRIVER_VERSION_MISMATCH (-1912)

This blog explains what this error means, why it occurs, and how to permanently fix it, step by step.

What Is the VirtualBox rc=-1912 Error?

This error indicates a version mismatch between VirtualBox application files and its kernel drivers installed on Windows.

In simple words:

VirtualBox UI belongs to one version
VirtualBox drivers loaded by Windows belong to another version

Because of this mismatch, VirtualBox fails to start any virtual machine.

Technical Meaning of the Error

RTR3InitEx failed with rc=-1912
VERR_VM_DRIVER_VERSION_MISMATCH

RTR3InitEx → Runtime initialization of VirtualBox
rc=-1912 → Driver incompatibility error
VERR_VM_DRIVER_VERSION_MISMATCH → Kernel driver and user-space binary versions differ

VirtualBox relies heavily on kernel-level drivers, and Windows blocks execution if versions don’t match.

Common Reasons for This Error

1️⃣ Incomplete VirtualBox Installation

Installation interrupted
Driver permission denied during install

2️⃣ VirtualBox Updated Without Reboot

Old drivers still loaded in memory

3️⃣ Windows Update Conflict

Windows updates overwrite or disable drivers

4️⃣ Hyper-V Enabled on Windows

Hyper-V conflicts with VirtualBox kernel drivers

5️⃣ Multiple VirtualBox Versions Installed

Leftover files from older installations

Permanent Solution (Step-by-Step)

STEP 1: Completely Uninstall VirtualBox

Press Windows + R
Type appwiz.cpl
Uninstall Oracle VM VirtualBox
Restart your system

⚠️ Restart is mandatory to unload old drivers

STEP 2: Remove Leftover VirtualBox Files (Very Important)

After reboot, manually delete remaining folders:

Delete Program Files:

C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox
C:\Program Files (x86)\Oracle\VirtualBox

Delete User Configuration:

%USERPROFILE%\.VirtualBox

These folders often contain old driver references.

STEP 3: Disable Hyper-V and Related Features

VirtualBox cannot work properly with Hyper-V enabled.

Press Windows + R
Type optionalfeatures
Uncheck the following:
- Hyper-V
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Windows Sandbox
Click OK
Restart system

STEP 4: Verify Hardware Virtualization (BIOS)

Open Task Manager
Go to Performance → CPU
Check:

Virtualization: Enabled

If disabled:

Enter BIOS (F2 / F10 / DEL)
Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V

STEP 5: Install VirtualBox Correctly

Download latest stable VirtualBox from Oracle website
Right-click installer → Run as Administrator
Allow all driver installation prompts
Complete installation
Restart system

Verify the Fix

Open VirtualBox
Start any VM
Error rc=-1912 should be resolved

If VM starts normally, drivers are correctly loaded 🎉

Advanced Troubleshooting (If Still Fails)

▶ Check Loaded Drivers

Open Command Prompt (Admin):

sc query vboxdrv

Expected state:

STATE: RUNNING

▶ Repair Installation

Re-run the VirtualBox installer and choose Repair option.

Conclusion

The rc=-1912 VirtualBox error is not a VM issue but a driver compatibility problem. A clean uninstall, disabling Hyper-V, and proper reinstallation resolve it permanently in most cases.

This issue is especially common among:

Oracle DBAs
Linux learners
VirtualBox users on Windows 10/11

Fix it once, and VirtualBox will run smoothly again 🚀

If you are learning VirtualBox for Oracle, Linux, or cloud labs, ensure your system virtualization and drivers are always clean and updated.

Happy Virtualizing! 😊

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