This issue occurred around June 2019 for older versions of VMWare Player and Workstation Pro. The reason for the issue is that Microsoft blocked the older versions. Well done Mr Gates.
Fortunatly, there is a way around this.
Download the Microsoft ADK from here:
Download the Windows ADK for Windows 10, version 1903
Install, and ensure you check the first tool in the installer “Compatibility Tools”.
Once installed, launch the “Compatibility Administrator”.
Under System Database > Applications > VMWare Workstation Pro
Right-click the .exe entries and disable them.
You’re Welcome!