How to Install VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu Linux
VMware Workstation Pro lets you run other operating systems, like Windows, right inside your Ubuntu Linux computer without restarting your PC. This virtualization software creates isolated virtual machines, meaning you can run multiple operating systems at the same time on a single machine.
Installing VMware Workstation Pro version 17.5 on Ubuntu requires downloading the official installer file and running it through the terminal using simple command-line tools. While the software requires a paid license to keep using it after a trial period, it gives you a reliable way to test different operating systems and apps on your Linux desktop.
Download the installer from VMware’s website. Then, install necessary packages using `sudo apt update` and `sudo apt install wget gcc build-essential linux-headers-generic linux-headers-$(uname -r)`. Finally, make the downloaded bundle executable with `sudo chmod +x` and run it with `./VMware-Workstation-*.bundle`.
How to install packages on Ubuntu Linux
To do that, run the commands below:
sudo apt update sudo apt install wget gcc build-essential linux-headers-generic linux-headers-$(uname -r)
How to download and install VMware Pro on Ubuntu Linux
Downloading and installing VMware Pro on Ubuntu Linux is straightforward. First, go to the official VMware website to grab the latest VMware Workstation Pro installer for Linux. This guide makes it easy to get VMware Pro set up on your Ubuntu system.
https://www.vmware.com/go/getworkstation-linux
Alternatively, run the commands below to download the latest version of VMware Workstation Player on the terminal console.
At the time of this writing, the latest version of VMware Workstation Pro is 16.1.2.
cd /tmp wget https://download3.vmware.com/software/wkst/file/VMware-Workstation-Full-16.1.2-17966106.x86_64.bundle
After downloading the above, run the commands below to make the package executable and install VMware Workstation Pro.
sudo chmod +x VMware-Workstation-*.bundle sudo ./VMware-Workstation-*.bundle
In Ubuntu, the installation will be run non-interactively. This means you won't have to complete an installation wizard.
After a brief moment, the installation should complete with a success message similar to the one below. Once you see the message below, you're done.
Extracting VMware Installer…done. Installing VMware Workstation 16.1.2 Configuring… [######################################################################] 100% Installation was successful.
After the installation above, launch VMware Workstation Pro from the Activities Dashboard. Click the Show Application button at the bottom left.
On the app's dashboard, search for and select VMware Workstation.
Once you click on the app, it will open its Welcome wizard. Accept the license terms to continue.
Accept to check for product updates on startup and continue
Finally, click Install to begin the installation.
When you finish the wizard, VMware Workstation Home should open up.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
This guide explained installing and using VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu Linux. Readers can use the comment form below to report errors or add information.
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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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