How to Fix the Internal Driver Error on \Device\VBoxNetLwf

Understanding and Fixing the VBoxNetLwf Error on Windows

We’ve all been there. You’re happily computing away when an obscure error message pops up that stops you in your tracks. One such error is "The driver detected an internal driver error on \Device\VBoxNetLwf" in Windows.

This often shows up alongside Event ID 12 in the system event log, leaving many users scratching their heads.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what’s behind this VBoxNetLwf error, why it happens, and most importantly – how to fix it for good. Stick with us to master this Windows gremlin once and for all!

What is VBoxNetLwf?

To understand the error, we first need to understand what VBoxNetLwf is. VBoxNetLwf stands for "VirtualBox NDIS 6.0 Lightweight Filter Driver." It’s a digitally signed system file developed by Oracle that resides in theC:\Windows\System32\drivers\folder on Windows machines.

How do I uninstall Windows 10 drivers?

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager. Right-click (or press and hold) the name of the device, and then select Uninstall. Restart your PC.

How do I update Windows 10?

Sometimes additional security updates are needed for your system to enhance security and performance. I suggest you to type “Windows updates” in the search bar. Click on it and select “check for updates”. See if there are any updates to be downloaded and installed. Restart PC if necessary. Also run the Windows update troubleshooter.

In essence, VBoxNetLwf acts as a traffic cop – filtering network communications between any virtual machines created with VirtualBox and the host Windows OS. Without it, VirtualBox VMs wouldn’t be able to talk to the outside world.

So when VBoxNetLwf starts acting up, it can wreak all sorts of havoc. Keep reading to discover what causes these issues and how to banish them for good.

What Triggers the VBoxNetLwf Error?

Based on reports from countless frustrated users across the web, we’ve identified several leading causes of the "internal error" message:

• Outdated display drivers – An obsolete graphics driver confuses VBoxNetLwf, making it panic. Always keep your video drivers up to date!

• Conflicts with anti-virus software – Overzealous virus scanners sometimes interpret VBoxNetLwf’s activities as malicious, triggering the error. Temporarily disabling your anti-virus can help identify if it’s at fault.

• VirtualBox installation issues – A faulty or incomplete VirtualBox installation leads VBoxNetLwf astray. Uninstalling and reinstalling VirtualBox often remedies this.

• Windows system file corruption – Key system files like VBoxNetLwf can become damaged, causing internal errors. Running an SFC scan diagnoses and repairs broken system files.

  How do I uninstall Windows 10 quality update?

  Click the appropriate option and your PC will restart (it may take a few minutes). Once it’s restarted, enter your Windows 10 login info and click Continue. Click “Uninstall quality update” or “Uninstall feature update” (depending on what you chose earlier in this step) and the update will be removed.

  How to fix missing drivers Windows 10?

  Windows 10 will automatically download or fix missing, broken, or corrupted drivers on the computer by running the troubleshooter for your problem. Here’s how to use it. Step 1: Hit the Windows key and search for the Control Panel. Step 3: Change the View by option to Large icons. Step 4: Select Troubleshooting.

• VirtualBox software bugs – Like any program, VirtualBox has its share of gremlins that manifest as VBoxNetLwf errors. Updating VirtualBox squashes these bugs.

• VBoxNetLwf.inf issues – Damaged or improperly configured VBoxNetLwf.inf drivers wreak havoc. Carefully reconfiguring the .inf file gets rid of such problems.

As you can see, there are a few key causes. Now let’s move on to the good stuff – actually fixing the problem for good!

7 Surefire Ways to Fix the VBoxNetLwf Error

If you see the "internal error on \Device\VBoxNetLwf" message plague your system, try these proven solutions to banish it for good:

1. Update Your Display Drivers

As mentioned, outdated display drivers often trigger the VBoxNetLwf error. Head to your PC or graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Be sure to carefully follow their installation instructions.

2. Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus Programs

If you suspect your anti-virus is clashing with VBoxNetLwf, disable it temporarily and see if the error persists. If the error goes away, whitelist VBoxNetLwf in your anti-virus to prevent future conflicts.

Can Windows Update devices connected to my computer?

Windows can find and download two kinds of updates for devices connected to your computer: Drivers. A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Without drivers, the devices you connect to your computer—for example, a mouse or external hard drive—won’t work properly.

How do I uninstall the latest version of Windows 10?

Click on Uninstall Updates. On the Uninstall Updates screen, you will see two options – Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update. In this case, quality updates stand for the monthly cumulative update.

3. Completely Uninstall and Reinstall VirtualBox

A damaged VirtualBox installation causes many VBoxNetLwf issues. Completely removing VirtualBox with Revo Uninstaller and reinstalling it from scratch often resolves the error.

4. Run an SFC Scan

Use the System File Checker tool in Windows to scan for corrupted system files. If any are found, SFC automatically repairs them – including fixing potential VBoxNetLwf damage.

5. Update VirtualBox to the Latest Version

Updating VirtualBox resolves programming bugs that manifest as VBoxNetLwf errors. Always keep VirtualBox fully up to date by checking their website periodically.

6. Troubleshoot the VBoxNetLwf.inf File

Carefully examine the VBoxNetLwf.inf file in Notepad and tweak any incorrect settings that could trigger the error. Consult Oracle’s documentation for the proper .inf file configuration.

7. Contact Oracle Support

If all else fails, speak with an Oracle VirtualBox technician. They offer extensive support resources to diagnose stubborn VBoxNetLwf issues.

Using these tips, you can get to the bottom of the "internal error on \Device\VBoxNetLwf" message and restore harmony to your system once again!

How do I reinstall a Windows 10 update?

Click the Check of updates button to trigger an update check, which will redownload and install the update automatically again. Click the Restart Now button to complete the task. Once your computer reboots, hopefully, the update would have installed correctly, and you can go back to be productive with your Windows 10 device.

How do I uninstall Windows Update?

Select the update and click the Uninstall button. Click Yes to confirm the uninstall. Click Restart Now to reboot your computer and complete the task. Depending on the update you’re trying to uninstall, the process may take a few minutes. Open Settings. Click Update & security. Click on Windows Update.

How do I fix Windows 10 driver problems?

Windows Update is the premier starting point to resolve most common driver issues you might experience immediately after installing Windows 10. Click Check for updates (make sure you have an active Internet connection). Immediately, Windows Update will detect your system configuration and download all the appropriate drivers for your system.

Preventing Future VBoxNetLwf Woes

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some proactive steps to avoid VBoxNetLwf issues down the road:

• Keep Windows and all drivers fully updated at all times.

• Periodically reinstall VirtualBox for a clean slate.

• Maintain your anti-virus whitelist to avoid conflicts.

• Run regular SFC scans to nip system file corruption in the bud.

• Closely monitor VirtualBox release notes for updates that target bug fixes.

With some prudent maintenance and care, you can avoid those pesky VBoxNetLwf errors entirely!

Conclusion

Dealing with obscure Windows errors can be massively frustrating. Hopefully after reading this guide, the next time you encounter the "internal error on \Device\VBoxNetLwf" message you’ll know exactly how to eliminate it for good.

What is the latest version of Windows 10?

For more information, check this link. To know your Windows version and Operating System Build, type winver in the search bar at the Start menu of your device and press Enter. The latest Windows 10 version is 1703 with OS Build 15063.447. To know what’s in the current version of Windows, you can check the Windows Update history here.

What is a Windows 10 update?

This FAQ is intended to answer questions about upgrading to Windows 10. An update ensures you have the most recent features and security improvements for your current version of Windows. If you want to update your device and need more info, see Windows Update: FAQ .

Be sure to share this guide with fellow Windows users who are pulling their hair out over VBoxNetLwf issues! Together we can help rid the world of this bothersome error once and for all.

In the future we’ll be tackling other common Windows headaches. What error messages give you the most grief? Let us know in the comments below so we can help!

References

1. https://www.thewindowsclub.com/the-driver-detected-an-internal-driver-error-on-devicevboxnetlwf-event-id-12
2. https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=106491