How to Install VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu Linux
Installing VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu Linux improves your virtual machine’s speed and adds useful features like a smoothly working mouse and a shared clipboard.
VMware Guest Tools are special programs that help your Ubuntu operating system work better with VMware, the software running your virtual computer. Installing them makes your virtual machine run faster and unlocks extra capabilities.
For example, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS usually comes with these tools already built-in as Open VM Tools. Without them, you might find your mouse moving slowly, the screen resolution not looking right, and it could be hard to move files between your main computer and the virtual one.
Install Open VM Tools using the Ubuntu terminal. For desktop environments, run ‘sudo apt update’ followed by ‘sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop’. For servers, use ‘sudo apt install open-vm-tools’. Reboot your system after installation.
How to install the Open VM Tools on Ubuntu guest machines
Ubuntu Linux installs Open VM Tools using terminal commands for essential drivers and utilities. Servers use the `open-vm-tools` package to help the Ubuntu system run smoothly within VMware, while Ubuntu desktop computers use the `open-vm-tools-desktop` package for the same purpose.
The tools are split into two packages: open-VM-tools for headless systems and open-vm-tools-desktop for desktop systems.
To install the open-source version, run the command below:
Servers:
sudo apt update sudo apt install open-vm-tools
Desktops:
After installing VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu Linux, a restart is necessary for the new drivers and settings to take effect. This ensures the operating system properly loads the VMware-specific components, improving performance and enabling features like better mouse integration and shared folders.
How to install VMware Guest Tools from VMware Host
Installing VMware Guest Tools from your VMware Host (the computer running the VMware software) is a common way to set them up, especially on Ubuntu desktop. After starting your Ubuntu virtual machine, go to the VM menu and click ‘Install VMware Tools’. This places the tools on a virtual CD drive inside Ubuntu, ready for installation.
To install, open the VMware host software. Start the guest machine and select VM –> Install VMware Tools from the guest machine menu.
Mounting the virtual CD drive temporarily places the guest tools onto your Ubuntu machine. This virtual CD drive is a special disk image containing the necessary files for easy installation.
While the virtual CD drive is mounted, open the Ubuntu terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T keys on your keyboard.
The contents from the virtual CD drive extract into the /tmp directory using the commands below. The /tmp directory is a temporary location that the system deletes once it reboots.
VMware Guest Tools installation uses specific commands to install recommended plugins and modules with default options. The commands include the -d option, which ensures all recommended plugins and modules are installed.
To manually select installation options and configuration, run the VMware Guest Tools installer without the `-d` option, which is the default mode for automatic installation.
When the installation is complete, reboot your machine, and you’re all set!
Conclusion:
We’ve covered how to install VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu. If you find any errors or have anything to add, please use the comment form below.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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