I can’t install VMware Horizon Client, it says “Install Failed”.

This message will show up due to variety of reasons. Follow each of the troubleshooting solutions in order.

Solution 1: Run the installer with Administrative rights

The installer requires administrative permission to perform changes to your system. To run the installer with administrative permission, right click on the installer and click Run as Administrator.

Solution 2: Install without HTML5 Multimedia Redirection support

When installing the VMware Horizon Client, uncheck the option Install Support for HTML5 Multimedia Redirection and Browser Redirection, then click Install.

Solution 3: Install the latest .NET Framework

VMware Horizon Client requires .NET Framework to work properly. To ensure that your computer isn’t missing the required files, install the latest .NET Framework.

Step 1 - Go to Microsoft .NET Framework download page.

Step 2 - Click on the latest version, highlighted in yellow.

Step 3 - Click on Download .NET Framework under Runtime.

Step 4 - Your browser will download a small installer file. Run the installer.

Step 5 - Follow the instructions of the installer.

A frequently updated Windows 10 computer should have the latest .NET Framework installed, therefore you will receive this error when trying to install the framework:

Solution 4: Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables

VMware Horizon Client requires latest version of Visual C++ Redistributables (aka vc_redist) to work properly. To ensure that your computer isn’t missing the required files, install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables.

Step 1 - Go to Visual C++ Redistributables download page.

Step 2 - Scroll to Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019 and download both x86 and x64 versions.

Step 3 - Run the installers.

If the installer states that there are newer version of Visual C++ Redistributables installed, go to Control Panel and uninstall the latest version and run the installer again.

Solution 5: Disable antivirus active protection temporarily

Some user reported their antivirus software is actively blocking the installation of VMware Horizon Client, especially during the process of changing the system HOSTS file.

Step 1 - Open the taskbar tray and right click on your antivirus software.The tray is located at the bottom right of your desktop.

Step 2 - Depending on your antivirus software, you will see different options. You need to look for “Dashboard”, “Temporarily Disable Active Protection”, “Exit” or similar keywords.
You need to find a way to either temporarily disable Active Protection feature or exit the antivirus software completely (not minimize back to tray).

Step 3 - Once the antivirus software is disabled, run the installer.

Step 4 - Regardless of the outcome, please re-enable the antivirus.

IT Helpdesk