VMware Workstation Player is a streamlined desktop virtualization application that allows you to run a second, isolated operating system on your primary computer. Unlike dual-booting, which requires you to restart your machine to switch between systems, Workstation Player lets you instantly toggle between your host OS and any number of virtual machines (VMs) in separate windows, just like any other application.
In late 2023, Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware. As a result of this acquisition, Broadcom restructured VMware’s desktop hypervisor lineup in May 2024, eliminating the standalone Workstation Player and Fusion Player products. Instead, Broadcom now offers the Pro editions—Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro—for free to all users, including for commercial use.
To install it, boot your virtual machine, go to the top menu, click > Manage > Install VMware Tools , and follow the on-screen instructions inside the guest operating system. Troubleshooting Common Download & Setup Issues
Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded .bundle file. Make the bundle file executable by running: chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle Use code with caution. Execute the installer with root privileges: sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle Use code with caution. download vmware workstation player
Whether you're a student learning Linux for the first time, a developer testing cross-platform applications, an IT professional managing complex virtual environments, or simply a curious home user wanting to run Windows on Linux or vice versa, VMware's desktop hypervisor provides a reliable, high-performance, and secure platform for all your virtualization needs.
What are you using on your main computer?
Execute the installer with root privileges using sudo: sudo ./VMware-Player-*.bundle As a result of this acquisition, Broadcom restructured
Locate the downloaded .exe file and double-click it to launch the setup wizard.
To download software packages from the Broadcom portal, you must have an active user profile. Click on or Sign In in the top right corner.
As of May 2024, Broadcom (which acquired VMware) has made 0.5.2 , effectively making the formerly separate, limited "Player" version unnecessary in favor of the fully featured Pro product, which is now free. Troubleshooting Common Download & Setup Issues Navigate to
Click the link next to the version that matches your current host computer. Step 3: Run the Installer
While both tools share the same core virtualization engine, they serve different user needs:
At 3:17 AM, a notification pinged.
Click on . Note that the former "Player" product is no longer listed separately. The Pro edition is the current product that includes all Player functionality.