How to Install VMware Workstation Player on Linux

VMware Workstation Player is a free virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. It’s ideal for testing, development, and running different OS environments. This guide will walk you through the steps to install VMware Workstation Player on a Linux system.

1. System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• A 64-bit Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora).
• A minimum of 1 GB RAM (2 GB or more recommended for better performance).
• Sufficient disk space for the VMware installation and virtual machines.

2. Download VMware Workstation Player

1. Visit the VMware Website: Go to the official VMware Workstation Player download page.
2. Select the Linux Version: Download the latest version of VMware Workstation Player for Linux. The file will usually be in .bundle format.

3. Prepare for Installation

Step 1: Make the Installer Executable

Once the download is complete, open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the downloaded file is located. Make the .bundle file executable by running:

Replace VMware-Player-*.bundle with the actual filename if necessary.

Step 2: Install Required Packages

Before installing VMware Player, ensure you have the required packages installed. Run the following command to install dependencies:

For Ubuntu/Debian-based distributions:

For CentOS/Fedora-based distributions:

4. Install VMware Workstation Player

Step 1: Run the Installer

Execute the installer using the following command:

Step 2: Follow the Installation Wizard

1. Welcome Screen: Click Next on the welcome screen of the installation wizard.
2. License Agreement: Read and accept the VMware license agreement.
3. Installation Options: Choose your installation preferences (default options are usually sufficient).
4. Finish Installation: Click Install to begin the installation process. Wait for it to complete and then click Finish.

5. Launch VMware Workstation Player

Once the installation is complete, you can launch VMware Workstation Player from the application menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

6. Configure VMware Workstation Player

Upon launching, you may be prompted to enter a license key if applicable (the free version does not require a license key). You can start creating and managing virtual machines immediately.

7. Creating Your First Virtual Machine

1. Select “Create a New Virtual Machine”: When VMware Player starts, you’ll see options to create a new VM or open an existing one.
2. Choose the Installation Method: You can install the OS from an ISO file or a physical disc.
3. Follow the Wizard: Complete the configuration steps, including setting the name, storage location, and resource allocation (RAM, CPUs).
4. Install the OS: Follow the installation process for the OS you are setting up.

8. Installing VMware Tools

To enhance the performance of your virtual machine, install VMware Tools:

1. Start Your VM: Boot into the operating system installed on the VM.
2. Select “Install VMware Tools”: From the VMware Player menu, choose Player > Manage > Install VMware Tools.
3. Follow the Installation Instructions: Mount the VMware Tools virtual CD and follow the prompts to install it in the guest OS.

9. Conclusion

Installing VMware Workstation Player on Linux provides a powerful platform for running and managing virtual machines. By following this guide, you can successfully set up VMware Player, create your first virtual machine, and optimize its performance with VMware Tools. Enjoy the flexibility of running multiple operating systems on your Linux machine!