How to Install VMware Workstation on Ubuntu

Introduction

VMware Workstation Pro is a virtualization application that works as a hosted hypervisor. Hosted hypervisors run on top of the host operating system and enable users to add multiple guest operating systems using the same physical resources.

Coupled with Ubuntu, VMware empowers users to efficiently virtualize diverse operating systems. This allows for streamlining software development, testing, and deployment processes while maximizing resource utilization and flexibility.

This guide shows how to install VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites

• A machine running Ubuntu.
• A user with sudo privileges on Ubuntu.
• Access to a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).

Installing VMware Workstation on Ubuntu

Follow the steps below to install VMware Workstation on your Ubuntu system and ensure seamless virtualization.

Step 1: Download VMware Workstation Pro

To install VMware, first download the binary package on your system. The best practice is to find the latest stable version on the official VMware website.

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Try VMware Workstation Pro page.

2. Scroll down and click the DOWNLOAD NOW link in the Workstation Pro for Linux section:

3. Select Save File and wait until the download is complete.

Step 2: Make Installer Executable

Before you install VMware Workstation Pro, you need to make the installer executable. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the terminal and change the directory to Downloads.

2. Using chmod, change the downloaded file's permissions to make it executable. Use the following syntax:

sudo chmod +x [file_name]

Replace [file_name] with the full name of the downloaded file. You can list the directory contents by running ls and then copy the full file name for the command above. For example:

Step 3: Install Prerequisites

GNU Compiler Collection and Build Essential are software prerequisites for installing VMware Workstation. Install the packages by following the steps below:

1. Before installing any software, update the package repository information by running:

sudo apt update

Updating ensures you download the latest software version available in the repository.

2. Install the prerequisites, GNU Compiler Collection and Build Essential, which will be used during installation. Run the command below:

sudo apt install gcc-12 libgcc-12-dev build-essential -y

Wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: Install VMware Installer

The next step is to extract and install the downloaded VMware file.

1. List the files in the Downloads directory using the ls command:

ls

Copy the full file name, as you will need it for the next step.

2. Extract and install the file by typing the command sudo ./ followed by the full file name. The syntax is:

sudo ./[file_name]

For example:

Wait for the process to complete.

Step 5: Configure VMware Workstation

The final step is to go through the configuration wizard and compile several modules required for VMware to function. Follow the steps below:

1. Search for VMware Workstation in the Ubuntu search bar. From the results, select the VMware Workstation icon to open the virtualization software.

2. Click the Install button at the prompt and wait for the process to finish.

3. A configuration wizard appears, asking you to review the general terms of using VMware Workstation Pro. Review the license agreement, select the option I accept the terms in the license agreement, and click Next to continue.

4. Next, review the end user license agreement. If you agree with the terms, select the I accept the terms in the license agreement option and click Next.

5. The wizard then allows you to choose whether you want to join the Customer Experience Improvement Program. Select the option Yes if you want to send usage information to VMware or the option No if you don't want to, and click Next.

6. Select whether you want the program to check for updates on startup, and click Next.

7. Lastly, the installer asks whether you want to:

• Enter a license key
• Try the software for 30 days for free.

If you have purchased a license key, enter it in the provided field or select the free trial option if you don't have a key. After that, VMware Workstation opens, and you can start creating and managing VMs.

How to Uninstall VMware Workstation from Ubuntu

If you no longer want to use VMware Workstation on your Ubuntu system, you can uninstall it using the command below:

sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation

Wait for the process to finish, and VMware will be removed from your system.

Conclusion

You now know how to install and uninstall VMware Workstation Player in Ubuntu. Next, see how to install VMware Tools on Ubuntu to improve window scaling and mouse movement and enable the bidirectional clipboard feature.

After installation, you can create new virtual machines, open existing ones, or connect to a remote server.