Disconnected [extra Quality]: Virtual Device Serial0 Will Start

If you're seeing the error "Virtual device serial0 will start disconnected" when powering on a VMware virtual machine, you aren't alone. This message typically appears because of a recent change in how VMware handles printing, specifically the removal of ThinPrint support in newer versions like VMware Workstation 17.5 and Fusion 13.5. Here is how to fix it based on your setup. Option 1: The Quick Fix (Recommended)

Step 4: Verify via .vmx File

You can also edit the VMX file directly (with VM powered off): virtual device serial0 will start disconnected

Starting with VMware Fusion 13.5 and Workstation 17.5, VMware officially retired ThinPrint, a legacy technology that mapped printers via a virtual serial port (serial0). Because the software no longer supports the "thinprint" file type, it flags it as an invalid value and tells you the device will start disconnected. If you're seeing the error "Virtual device serial0

3. Scenario B: You DO NOT Need the Serial Port (Standard Users)

If you are just running a standard OS (Windows, Linux, macOS) and are not debugging kernel panics, you likely do not need this device. Removing it will clean up your logs and slightly improve boot speed. Option 1: The Quick Fix (Recommended) Step 4: Verify via

: Newer versions of VMware no longer support the "ThinPrint" technology, which often used to handle virtual printing. Legacy Settings

Resolving the Disconnection

The resolution depends on your specific needs and configuration:

: For users of VMware Fusion or advanced users, manually editing the VM configuration ( ) file to remove entries like serial0.fileType = "thinprint" can permanently resolve the error. Advanced vCenter Configuration