Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation Pro

VMware allows us to set up virtual machines for testing, development, or any other purpose without risking our primary operating system. This tutorial explains how to download and install the latest version of VMware Workstation on Windows 11.

Downloading VMware Workstation Pro (free for personal use)

Earlier, VMware Workstation was paid software for all. Recently, Broadcom acquired VMware. Broadcom made VMware Workstation Pro free for personal use. Refer to the following web page for more information on this change.

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?articleNumber=315642

To download VMware Workstation Pro from Broadcom's site, follow the steps below.

Create a free Broadcom user account using the following webpage. The user creation process requires only a valid email address.

https://profile.broadcom.com/web/registration

After creating the free user account, use it to log in to Broadcom's site.

https://login.broadcom.com/signin

After login, visit the following webpage.

Select VMware Workstation for Windows. Select Linux if you want to install it on a Linux system.

It lists all available versions. Click the latest version.

Accept the Terms and Conditions for personal use and click the download icon next to the file.

It downloads the installer file of VMware Workstation Pro.

Installing VMware Workstation Pro

Open the folder containing the VMware Workstation Pro installer file and double-click the installer file.

The installation process starts in a wizard. The first screen of the wizard presents the welcome message.
Click Next to start the installation.

The next screen displays the license agreement. We must accept the license agreement to install VMware Workstation.
Accept the license agreement and click Next.

VMware Workstation has a compatibility issue with Hyper-V. Hyper-V is Microsoft's solution for virtualization. We must turn it off to use VMware Workstation. If the wizard detects Hyper-V running on the host system, it prompts us to deactivate it on the next screen. We can remove Hyper-V from the host system or install WHP (Windows Hyper-V Platform). WHP allows us to run VMWare Workstation with Hyper-V. If we select the Install Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHP) automatically option, the wizard automatically downloads, installs, and enables it on the host system.
Select the Install Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHP) automatically option and click Next.

The next screen allows us to customize the installation directory. By default, the wizard installs VMware Workstation in the Program folder of the Windows partition. To install it in another folder, use the Browse option and select the desired folder. It also has an option to add VMware Workstation console tools into the system PATH. If we choose this option, it will add VMware Workstation console tools to the system PATH. VMware Workstation console tools are services and modules that enable interaction between guest and host systems.

The next screen presents the following two options:-

1. Check for product updates on startup
2. Join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program

If we select the first option, the program checks for an update every time we start it.
If we choose the second option, it sends technical data to VMware after removing the personal data.
By default, both options are selected. We can keep them selected or uncheck them.

The next screen customizes the options to start the program after the installation. By default, it creates shortcuts at the following location.

• Desktop
• Start Menu Programs Folder

Keep the default selection or uncheck the not required option and click Next.

The next screen takes confirmation before starting the installation process. So far, it writes nothing on the disk. If we want to make any changes, we can do it. To start the installation with the current selections, click Next.

The wizard installs the VMware workstation. The installation process may take a few minutes.

The last screen allows us to enter a license key for commercial use. For personal use, we can skip the license key. Click Finish to close the wizard.

On the first run, it prompts us to install the license key again if we skip it during installation.

We do not need a license key for personal use. Select the option Use VMware Workstation for Personal Use and click Continue.

Click Finish to complete the installation.

The home screen verifies the installation.

The left pane of the home screen displays virtual machines. The right pane shows the selected virtual machine's hardware, settings, and configurations in the left pane.

Conclusion

Whether you're a developer, a student, or just someone interested in virtualization technology, VMware Workstation provides a robust platform for exploring different operating systems, software applications, and configurations in a safe, isolated environment. With its straightforward installation process and user-friendly interface, VMware Workstation is an excellent tool for enhancing your computing capabilities and productivity.