How to Install VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu Linux
You install VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu Linux to significantly boost your virtual machineās performance and enable features like shared clipboard and improved graphics.
VMware Guest Tools are a suite of utilities that enhance the interaction between your Ubuntu guest operating system and the VMware host environment.
Installing these tools, also known as Open VM Tools when using Ubuntuās default repositories, ensures your virtual machine runs smoothly and efficiently, unlocking features you need.
For instance, without Guest Tools, you might experience laggy mouse movement and limited display resolutions, but with them, you get a much more integrated experience.
Install Open VM Tools using the Ubuntu terminal. For desktop environments, run āsudo apt updateā followed by āsudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktopā. For servers, use āsudo apt install open-vm-toolsā. Reboot your system after installation.
How to install the Open VM Tools on Ubuntu guest machines
As mentioned above, Open VM Tools is the open-source implementation of VMware guest tools. The packages are available in Ubuntu default repositories.
The tools are split into two packages: open-VM-tools for headless systems and open-vm-tools-desktop for desktop systems.
To install the opensource version, run the comment below:
Servers:
sudo apt update sudo apt install open-vm-tools
Desktops:
sudo apt update sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop
It would be best to restart the machine for the changes to take effect.
How to install VMware Guest Tools from VMware Host
The tools can also be installed from VMware host software. For desktop machines, this might be a better option.
To install, open the VMware host software. Start the guest machine and select VM ā> Install VMware Tools from the guest machine menu.
This will temporarily mount the VMware Workstation virtual CD drive with the guest tools content onto the Ubuntu guest machine.
While the virtual CD drive is mounted, open the Ubuntu terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T keys on your keyboard.
Then, run the commands below to extract the content from the virtual CD drive you must mount to the /tmp directory. This directory is a temporary location and will be deleted once the system reboots.
tar -xvf /media/$USER/"VMware Tools"/VMwareTools*.gz -C /tmp
Finally, run the commands below to install the tools. The -d option with the commands will install all the recommended plugins and modules with the default options.
sudo /tmp/vmware-tools-distrib/vmware-install.pl -d
If you want to manually select the options and configuration, run it without the -d option.
When the installation is complete, reboot your machine, and youāre all set!
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to install the VMware Guest Tools on Ubuntu guest machines. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have anything to add.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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, heās 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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