Blog Post
Introducing Windows Admin Center: Virtualization Mode (vMode)
I've been running into this issue since vMode was first released; the install seems to work fine, but when I attempt to log in with either the local host admin account or a domain account which is in the local host admin group I get a 403 Access Denied error
This happens whether I install with the machine certificate or using the self-signed certificate, and I've attempted to uninstall/reinstall multiple times. This is on a host VM running Server 2025 DC that is dedicated for this purpose with no other WAC tools running. Anybody else seeing this or have a solution?
- LarsvillaumeTwodayApr 21, 2026Copper Contributor
I see that too - did you find a solution?
- agossMay 13, 2026Copper Contributor
Unfortunately we have not yet found a solution even at the second Public Preview release; we still run into this no matter what we try. Attempted on a completely clean, barebones image of Server 2025 and 2022 and have run into the same issue every time. Have you had any more luck? LarsvillaumeTwoday
- Davanna-WhiteMay 13, 2026
Microsoft
Hey agoss and LarsvillaumeTwoday ,
Immediately after install of vMode, only the user who did the installation can log-in. This user can then give other users access by ensuring they're in one of Windows Admin Center's gateway groups (gateway admins or users) and have permissions on the root (which you can configure using the Access tool).If you're running into issues accessing vMode as the user who performed the install, please let me know.