VMware

Hypervisor. VMware ESX (formerly named ESXi) is a native/bare-metal hypervisor. VMware Workstation is a hosted hypervisor.

Table of Contents

VMware Workstation

As of March 2025, the current versions of VMware Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro are available at no charge for all use cases, including personal, educational, and commercial use. Users no longer need to purchase a license for these versions for any scenario.

Installation

Download

  • Download VMware Workstation here. You will need to create a free user account on the Broadcom Support Portal.
  • In the portail, click on My Downloads.
  • Click on Free Software Downloads avaiable HERE.
  • Click on VMware Workstation Pro.
  • Click on VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 for Windows (or the latest version).
  • Click on Terms and Conditions to be able to select the checkbox I agree to the Terms and Conditions.
  • Click on the download icon.
  • Confirm your address.
  • Click again on the download icon.

Installation

  • Double-click on the installer.
  • Click Next.
  • Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next.
  • Click Next.
  • Change the installation path if needed and click Next.
  • Unselect Join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program and click Next.
  • Click Next.
  • Click Install.
  • Click Finish.

Network Settings

See VM Network Settings

When the host is using a corporated VPN:

  • Click on Edit -> Virtual Network Editor
  • Click on Change Settings (requires local admin)
  • Click on VMnet0 (type Bridged)
    • Set Bridged to the VPN client adapter
  • Click OK
  • Click Apply
  • Click OK
  • Click on VM -> Settings
  • Click on Network Adapter
  • Select NAT (yes, use NAT and NOT bridged)

Create a virtual machine

For installing Kali Linux on VMware, see Kali Linux.

  • Start VMware Workstation.
  • Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
  • Select Typical (recommended) and click Next.
  • Choose your ISO file or Select I will install the operating system later. Click Next.
  • Select the guest operating system from the list. Select the OS version from the second list. Click Next.
  • Enter your virtual machine name. Change the location if needed. Click Next.
  • For Windows using a TPM, enter a password and click Next.
  • Enter a disk size (GB), select Store virtual disk as a single file and click Next.
  • Click Finish.

Start a VM

  • Start VMware Workstation.
  • Click on the VM name on the left.
  • Click on Power on this virtual machine

Command line

"C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Workstation\vmrun.exe" -T ws start "C:\VMs\Linux.vmx"

Stop a VM

Command line

"C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Workstation\vmrun.exe" -T ws stop "C:\VMs\Linux.vmx"

Reference