VMware Fusion 5 and Microsoft Office 2013 screen refresh problem

When using Microsoft Office 2013 on Windows 7 or Windows 8 in VMware Fusion 5 the screen is not properly refreshed and leaving black regions.

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This is because VMware Fusion 5 offers DirectX9 for Windows 7 and Windows 8, but Microsoft Office 2013 requires DirectX10. This is a know issue in VMware Fusion 5.

There are two work arounds available:

  • Disable 3D acceleration in the VM settings
  • Disable hardware acceleration in the Microsoft Office 2013 application

Disable 3D acceleration in the VM settings

  • Shut Down the VM
  • Go to Settings and click on  Display
  • Turn the Accelerate 3D Graphics setting to OFF

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  • Start the VM

Disable hardware acceleration in the Microsoft Office 2013 application

  • Open the Office application you want to turn disable the hardware acceleration
  • Click on Settings – Advanced – Disable hardware acceleration