Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Error "WinVerifyTrust failed with hrc=Unknown Status" when launching a guest machine on VirtualBox

Error WinVerifyTrust failed with hrc=Unknown Status occurs when launching a guest machine on VirtualBox, potentially caused by Windows Security Update KB3081320.

Quick Answer: Try removing the problematic security update and see if it resolves the issue.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error 'WinVerifyTrust failed with hrc=Unknown Status' occurs when launching a guest machine on VirtualBox, causing the application to crash. This issue affects users running Windows operating systems and is frustrating because it prevents them from using their virtual machines as intended.

In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this error and provide two methods for resolving the issue: reinstalling VirtualBox and updating the Windows Security Update KB3081320.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary cause of this error is a corrupted or outdated version of the Oracle VirtualBox executable. This can occur due to various reasons, such as a faulty installation process or incomplete removal of previous versions.
  • Another potential cause is the presence of the Windows Security Update KB3081320, which has been reported to break VirtualBox functionality.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Reinstalling VirtualBox

  1. Step 1: Uninstall VirtualBox from your system by going to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or equivalent) and selecting the 'Uninstall' option.
  2. Step 2: Locate the installation files for VirtualBox and run the installer. Make sure to select the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your system.
  3. Step 3: During the installation process, ensure that all components are selected, including the VirtualBox Tools and the Oracle VM Virtual Box Extension Pack.

Updating Windows Security Update KB3081320

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting 'Command Prompt (Admin)'.
  2. Step 2: Run the following command to uninstall the security update: wusa /uninstall /kb:3081320. This will remove the update from your system, but be aware that this may compromise your system's security.
  3. Step 3: After uninstalling the update, restart your system and attempt to launch VirtualBox again.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'WinVerifyTrust failed with hrc=Unknown Status' error when launching a guest machine on VirtualBox, try reinstalling VirtualBox or updating the Windows Security Update KB3081320. If you choose to update the security patch, be sure to restart your system and test VirtualBox again after removal.

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