How to Fix VirtualBox “STATUS_OBJECT_NAME_NOT_FOUND” Error on Windows

Troubleshoot and resolve VirtualBox driver issues with these step-by-step fixes.

The Problem

You encounter the error STATUS_OBJECT_NAME_NOT_FOUND (0xc0000034) when launching Oracle VirtualBox on Windows 11. The error often includes messages like:

• Driver is probably stuck stopping/starting
• NtCreateFile(DeviceVBoxDrvStub) failed

This typically occurs due to corrupted drivers, conflicts with Hyper-V, or incomplete installations. Let’s fix it!

Step 1: Check the VirtualBox Service Status

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Check the vboxsup service status:
   
   sc.exe query vboxsup

   1	sc.exe query vboxsup

   • If the service is STOPPED, start it with:
     
     sc.exe start vboxsup

     1	sc.exe start vboxsup

3. If it fails to start, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Reinstall VirtualBox Properly

1. Uninstall VirtualBox:
   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program, select Oracle VM VirtualBox, and uninstall.
2. Download the latest version:
   • Grab the installer from the official VirtualBox website.
3. Reinstall as Administrator:
   • Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
4. Install the Extension Pack:
   • Ensure the Extension Pack version matches your VirtualBox installation.

Step 3: Disable Hyper-V and Virtualization Features

VirtualBox conflicts with Microsoft’s Hyper-V. Disable it:

1. Open PowerShell as Admin:
   
   bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

   1	bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

2. Turn off Windows virtualization features:
   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Uncheck:
     • Hyper-V
     • Windows Sandbox
     • Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
3. Reboot your PC.

Step 4: Check Antivirus or Firewall Conflicts

Security software can block VirtualBox drivers:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall (e.g., Windows Defender, Norton).
• Reinstall VirtualBox afterward.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Reinstall

1. Remove leftover drivers:
   • Use tools like VBoxDrvCleaner to wipe residual files.
2. Delete manual folders:
   • Navigate to C:Program FilesOracleVirtualBox and delete the folder.
   • Remove the config folder: C:Users<YourUsername>.VirtualBox.
3. Reinstall VirtualBox as admin.

Step 6: Update Windows and Drivers

1. Install Windows updates:
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
2. Update critical drivers:
   • Visit your PC manufacturer’s website to update:
     • Chipset drivers
     • BIOS
     • Motherboard drivers

Step 7: Review VirtualBox Logs

Check logs for detailed errors:

1. Navigate to C:Users<YourUsername>.VirtualBox.
2. Open VBoxHardening.log to identify specific issues.

Final Tips

• Test after each step to isolate the fix.
• If the error persists, seek help on the VirtualBox Forum and share your logs.