Virtualization has become an essential pillar in the contemporary IT ecosystem, allowing multiple virtual machines with different operating systems to run on a single physical machine. VMware Workstation Pro, as a flagship Type 2 hypervisor solution, is a strategic choice for Linux users looking to efficiently manage virtual environments. On Ubuntu, a leading Linux distribution, installing this tool requires a methodical approach to ensure optimal integration. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed and accessible IT tutorial geared toward Linux administrators, developers, and enthusiasts, guiding them step-by-step through the setup of VMware Workstation Pro, ensuring reliable technical support for their virtual infrastructure.
The Essential Basics for Installing VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
The successful installation of VMware Workstation Pro on a Linux system, such as Ubuntu, begins with a clear understanding of the technical and hardware requirements. Indeed, virtualization requires adequate hardware support, including AMD-V or Intel VT-x technologies, implemented within the processor. These extensions enable the creation of high-performance and stable virtual machines by directly managing CPU instructions adapted to virtualization.
Before beginning the installation, it is therefore crucial to check whether your processor supports these extensions. In Ubuntu, this can be done via the command egrep -c ‘(vmx|svm)’ /proc/cpuinfo ; a result greater than or equal to 1 indicates compatible hardware support for virtualization.
Furthermore, the Linux operating system version plays a decisive role. Choosing an LTS (Long Term Support) or recent stable version of Ubuntu, such as Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin), ensures stability and availability of the necessary packages. Using an official version with security updates also allows for better compatibility with the kernel modules that VMware will need to integrate.
Administrative rights management is also essential. Installation requires root privileges to access sensitive system resources. This ensures the ability to compile and load the kernel modules essential to the proper functioning of VMware Workstation Pro. In this regard, it is advisable to ensure that the user has sudo privileges or direct access to the root account.
Next, the system must be prepared by installing the essential GNU compilation tools. These tools, in particular, allow for the compilation of the Linux kernel modules required for VMware integration. On Ubuntu, this is accomplished by installing the build-essential metapackage, as well as specific packages related to the GCC compiler, such as gcc-12 and libgcc-12-dev. The following command line, run with root privileges, performs this preparation: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y && sudo apt install build-essential gcc-12 libgcc-12-dev -y .Check hardware support for virtualization (AMD-V, Intel VT-x). Use a recent, stable version of Ubuntu, preferably LTS. Make sure you have root privileges. Install the essential compilation tools (build-essential, gcc).Create a Broadcom user account to download VMware Workstation Pro. Creating a Broadcom (now VMware) account is a necessary step, as it allows you to legally and freely download VMware Workstation Pro for personal or professional use. Once logged in, the installation file corresponding to your Linux architecture is available directly from the official VMware website, guaranteeing the validity and security of the download source.This preparatory work, although often overlooked, is the key to a smooth installation and smooth use of VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu. Strict adherence to these prerequisites avoids having to deal with complex system errors related to module compilation or kernel resource management.
- Detailed procedure for installing VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
- Installing VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu involves several well-defined steps, combining the use of the terminal and the graphical interface. This method ensures clean integration and configuration adapted to the Linux environment. 1. System Update and Preparation
- Before launching any installation, it is vital to update your software environment to benefit from the latest patches and stable versions. The following command updates the package cache and performs any necessary updates:
- sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Then, installing the GNU compiler suite, already mentioned, prepares the Linux kernel for compiling VMware modules:
sudo apt install build-essential gcc-12 libgcc-12-dev -y
This preparation ensures that all required dependencies are resolved.
2. Downloading the VMware Workstation Pro Bundle
To obtain the installation file, simply connect to the official VMware website via a browser. After logging in with a Broadcom account, users can download the latest stable version compatible with Linux. As of 2025, version 17.6.4 represents the latest and most powerful version, ensuring the best support for advanced virtualization features.
This file, in
.bundle
format, is the single installer that brings together all the resources needed to integrate VMware into Ubuntu. 3. Assigning Permissions and Starting the Installation
After downloading, it is essential to make the file executable:
sudo chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-17.6.4-24832109.x86_64.bundle
This allows you to initiate the installation via the command line:
sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-17.6.4-24832109.x86_64.bundle
During this step, the program installs an initial partial version. This is a necessary phase before moving on to the graphical interface.
4. Finalizing the Graphical Installation Once the preliminary installation is complete, you can launch VMware Workstation Pro from the Ubuntu applications menu. At this point, the software compiles, loads, and installs the required kernel modules using the previously installed compiler suite. A dialog box will then open to enter the administrator password and import the necessary modules. This step ensures full integration with the operating system and avoids any incompatibilities in the event of future kernel updates.5. Contract acceptance and final adjustments
The user is then prompted to accept the terms of the VMware License Agreement. It is also possible to choose to automatically check for updates at startup and to anonymously participate in the User Improvement Program, ensuring ever-more powerful software.
Once these options are validated, the installation is finalized, and the main VMware Workstation Pro interface is displayed, ready to create and manage virtual machines on Ubuntu.
System and essential package updates
Official download from the Broadcom/VMware account
Bundle file execution permissions
Initial installation via command line
Graphical completion with kernel module compilation
Acceptance of terms and post-installation settings
Thanks to this rigorous procedure, any installation errors are avoided, thus securing the future virtualization of virtual machines under Ubuntu. The computer tutorial is part of an approach facilitating the implementation of initial virtualization projects on Linux. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIP3M06HnMM
First Steps and Basic Use of VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
After a successful installation, getting started with VMware Workstation Pro on Linux can be as intuitive as on Windows, despite the different user environment. Virtual machine management is done via a clear and uncluttered graphical interface, allowing for speed and efficiency.
Creating a Virtual Machine
- To begin, launching VMware Workstation Pro opens a dashboard displaying the main options. To create a new virtual machine, simply click on
- “Create a New Virtual Machine”
- then follow the installation process. This guides the user through configuring the virtual machine’s resources:
- Choosing the guest operating system (Windows, Linux, BSD, etc.)
- Defining the allocated RAM
- Configuring the number of virtual processors
Selecting the virtual hard disk type (dynamic or fixed)
This introduction is particularly suitable for beginners wishing to experiment with multiple environments. The link to the official VMware documentation details each step, explaining the importance of each setting.
Virtual Machine Management and Administration
VMware Workstation Pro offers advanced yet accessible features, such as:
Instant backup (snapshot) allowing you to revert to a previous VM state. USB device management and sophisticated network connectivity. Seamless integration with VMware Tools, improving fluidity between host and guest.
- Virtual machine cloning to quickly deploy identical environments.
- This is particularly useful in professional or educational contexts where large-scale virtual machine management is required. Linux system administrators will benefit from a powerful and stable tool for their daily workflows.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzdnieKI8ZI
- For users wishing to get started with Linux without leaving their Windows environment, additional introductions explain the use of virtualization through VMware, facilitating the exploration of open source systems while maintaining a foothold in their primary OS. To learn more, consult this comprehensive practical guide:
- Trying Linux without Windows
.
Optimization and common troubleshooting when using VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
Linux environments sometimes present specific challenges when integrating complex applications like VMware Workstation Pro. A good understanding of potential errors and solutions is therefore essential to ensure effective technical support.
- Common Installation Errors and Their Solutions
- One of the major errors is the absence or incompatibility of kernel modules. If an error occurs during graphical installation regarding the compilation of VMware modules, it is recommended to:
- Check that the Linux kernel version and the GCC compiler version are compatible.
- Ensure that all necessary packages, including build-essential, are installed and up-to-date.
Consult the installation logs located in /tmp/vmware-root/ to precisely identify the problem.
In case of persistent failure, it is also recommended to consult specialized Linux and VMware forums, which have an active community offering fixes and tips tailored to specific configurations. Tips for Improving Virtual Machine Performance To ensure your virtual machines run smoothly under VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu, several best practices can be applied:Allocate reasonable resources: neither oversized nor insufficient, based on the expected load.
Install
VMware Tools
in each virtual machine to optimize management of virtualized hardware.
Enable multi-threaded processors if the host machine allows it.
- Prioritize fast storage, such as an SSD, for virtual disk locations.
- Avoid high network competition when multiple VMs use a shared interface. These optimizations ensure a native-like user experience, even on modest machines.For advanced virtualization control on Linux, it’s worth considering additional solutions, such as Docker. This article explores this topic perfectly:
- Why Use Docker?
- Compatibility and Alternatives to VMware Workstation Pro for Ubuntu Users
While VMware Workstation Pro is a very robust solution, it’s important to assess your needs in order to choose the hypervisor best suited to your Linux environment. Several alternatives exist, each with their own advantages:
VirtualBox
: A well-known open-source hypervisor, fully compatible with Ubuntu, ideal for personal or educational use.
- QEMU/KVM
- : An open-source solution integrated into the Linux kernel, offering high performance and improved kernel integration. GNOME Boxes : A simple user interface for basic use cases and easy virtual machine management. Proxmox VE: A complete virtualization and container management environment, more suited to advanced professional infrastructures.
- VMware Workstation Pro, however, remains the benchmark when it comes to a commercial product with dedicated technical support and advanced features such as multi-monitor support, peer networking, and complex snapshots. Its stability on Ubuntu and the ease of its graphical interface explain its adoption by system engineers and administrators.
- For those new to virtualization on Linux, it is advisable to start with these simpler tools before investing in complex solutions. At the same time, learning how to manipulate operating systems and their interactions facilitates the management and maintenance of virtual infrastructures, a topic explored in depth in this comprehensive guide:
- Proficiency in Linux and Windows virtualization
.