VMware Workstation is a program that allows you to run a virtual computer inside your physical computer. The virtual machine runs as if it were a separate system. This is a great way to try out new operating systems like Linux, visit untrustworthy websites, create a specific computer environment for children, experience the effects of a virus on the computer, and much more. You can also use it to print and use USB sticks. Read this guide to get the most out of VMware Workstation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Install VMware Workstation
Step 1. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements
Since you will need to run an operating system from within your system, VMware Workstation has quite high requirements. If your computer doesn't suit them, you may not be able to run VMware efficiently.
- You will need to have a 64-bit processor.
- VMware supports Windows and Linux operating systems.
- You will need to have enough memory to run the operating system, virtual operating system, and all the programs within them. 1 GB is the minimum, but 3 or more is recommended.
- You will need to have a 16-bit or 32-bit display adapter. 3D effects probably won't work well within the virtual operating system, so games don't always run efficiently.
- You will need at least 1.5GB of free space to install VMware Workstation, plus at least 1GB for the operating system you will be installing.
Step 2. Download the VMware program
You can download the installer from the Download Center of the VMware website. Select the latest version and click the link for the installer. You will need to log in with your VMware username.
- You will be required to read and check the license agreement before you can download the file.
- You can only install one version of VMware Workstation at a time.
Step 3. Install VMware Workstation
When you have downloaded the file, right click on it and select "Run as administrator".
- You will be prompted to read the license again.
- Most users can use the Typical installation option.
- At the end of the installation, you will be prompted for the license key.
- When the installation is finished, restart your computer.
Method 2 of 3: Install an Operating System
Step 1. Open VMware
Installing a virtual operating system is very similar to installing a real one on a computer. You will need to have the installation disc or ISO image as well as all necessary licenses for the operating system you want to install.
You will be able to install most Linux distributions in addition to any version of Windows
Step 2. Click on File
Select New Virtual Machine and then choose Typical. VMware will ask you for the installation disc. If it recognizes the operating system, it will enable the Easy Install option:
- Physical disk - insert the installation disk of the operating system you want to install and then select the disk in VMware.
- ISO Image - Find the location of your computer's ISO file.
- Install the operating system later. This will create a blank virtual disk. You will need to manually install the operating system later.
Step 3. Enter the operating system details
For Windows and other operating systems that require a license, you will need to enter your product key. You will also need to enter your username and password if you want one.
If you are not using Easy Install, you will need to browse the list for the operating system you are installing
Step 4. Name your virtual machine
The name will help you identify it on your physical computer. It will also help you distinguish it from other virtual machines with different operating systems.
Step 5. Set the disk size
You can allocate as much free disk as you like to your virtual machine to act as the hard drive of the operating system you have installed. Make sure you dedicate enough of it to install the programs you want to run on the virtual machine.
Step 6. Customize the virtual hardware of your virtual machine
You can set the virtual machine to emulate specific hardware by clicking the "Customize Hardware" button. This can be useful if you are looking to run an older program that only supports some hardware. This setting is optional.
Step 7. Set up the virtual machine to boot
Check the box "Turn on this virtual machine after creation" if you want to start it when it is ready. If you don't check this box, you can choose your virtual machine from the VMware list and click the Power On button.
Step 8. Wait for the installation to complete
When you start the virtual machine for the first time, the operating system will start installing itself automatically. If you provided all the correct information when setting up the virtual machine, you shouldn't do anything.
If you have not entered your product key or created a username, you will probably be prompted to do so now
Step 9. Check that VMware Tools is installed
When you have installed the operating system, the VMware Tools program should automatically be installed. Check that it appears on the desktop or in the programs of the new operating system.
Vmware Tools offers configuration options for your virtual machine, and keeps your virtual machine up to date with software changes
Method 3 of 3: Navigate VMware
Step 1. Start a virtual machine
To start a virtual machine, click on the VM menu and select the virtual machine you want to start. You can select to boot the machine normally, or directly to the virtual BIOS.
Step 2. Stop a virtual machine
To do this, select it and then click on the VM menu. Select the Power option.
- Shut down - the virtual machine shuts down as if you have disconnected the power.
- Disconnect Guest - this sends an input to the virtual machine which causes it to shut down as if you had used the key to do so.
- You can also shut down the virtual machine using the shutdown options within the operating system itself.
Step 3. Move files from the virtual machine to your physical computer
Doing so is as simple as drag and drop. You can move files in either direction between your computer and virtual machine, and they can also be dragged from one virtual machine to another.
- When you drag and drop, the original will stay in its original location and a copy will be created in the new location.
- You can also move files by copying and pasting.
- Virtual machines can also connect to shared folders.
Step 4. Add a printer to your virtual machine
You can add any printer to your virtual machine without having to install additional drivers, as long as they are already installed on your host computer.
- Select the virtual machine you want to add the printer to.
- Click on the VM menu and select Settings.
- Click on the Hardware tab, and then click on Add. This will start the Add Hardware wizard.
- Select Printer and then click Finish. Your virtual printer will be enabled the next time you start the virtual machine.
Step 5. Connect a USB disk to the virtual machine
Virtual machines can interact with a USB disk in the same way your normal operating system does. The USB disk cannot be read by the host computer and the virtual computer at the same time.
- If the virtual machine is the active window, the USB disk will be opened automatically by the virtual machine when you connect it.
- If the virtual machine is not the active window or is not running, select the virtual machine and click the VM menu. Select Removable Devices and then click Connect. The USB disk will automatically connect to your virtual machine.
Step 6. Take a snapshot of a virtual machine
A snapshot is a saved state and will allow you to load the virtual machine at that precise moment whenever you want.
- Select your virtual machine, click on the VM menu, move the mouse over Snapshot and select Take Snapshot.
- Give your snapshot a name. You can also add a description, although it's optional.
- Click OK to save it.
- Load a saved snapshot by clicking the VM menu and then selecting Snapshot. Choose the snapshot you want to upload from the list and click Go to.
Step 7. Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts
Combinations of "Ctrl" and other keys can be used to navigate virtual machines. For example "Ctrl", "Alt" and "Enter" put the current virtual machine in full screen mode or allow you to switch between virtual machines. "Ctrl", "Alt" and "Tab" allow you to switch from one virtual machine to another when the mouse is used by a machine.
