Are you looking to run a second operating system on your PC without the hassle of dual-booting? Whether you are a developer testing code, a student learning Linux, or an IT professional experimenting with new software, VMware Workstation Player is one of the best tools for the job.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about downloading VMware Workstation Player, the difference between the Player and Pro versions, and how to get it up and running on your Windows or Linux machine.
You will see a list of versions (e.g., 17.5.0, 17.5.1, 17.5.2). Always download the highest version number for security patches.
Downloading VMware Workstation Player is a straightforward process if you stick to the official Broadcom support portal and avoid third-party garbage. The software is safe, robust, and—once you apply the free personal license key—completely free to use indefinitely.
Recap of Action Items:
With VMware Workstation Player installed, you can now spin up Windows 11 VMs, test Linux distros like Ubuntu or Fedora, or run older software that doesn't work on your current OS. It is the industry standard—not because it is expensive, but because it just works.
Ready to begin? Click here to start your official download via Broadcom’s portal. (Link omitted for static document; refer to the instructions above to navigate the portal).
Did this guide help you download VMware Workstation Player? Share it with your IT study group or save it for when you need to reinstall. For technical support, visit VMware Community forums.
Getting VMware Workstation Player (now often referred to under the broader VMware Desktop Hypervisor umbrella) set up on your machine is a great way to run multiple operating systems without needing extra hardware.
As of late 2024, significant changes occurred following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware: VMware Workstation Pro is now free for personal, educational, and even commercial use. While the "Player" version still exists for basic single-VM needs, many users now opt for the full Pro version since it is free and includes advanced features like snapshots. How to Download & Install (Latest Process)
The download process now goes through the Broadcom Support Portal rather than the old VMware site.
Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation Player: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to create a virtual machine on your Windows or Linux computer? Do you want to test a new operating system or software without affecting your primary system? Look no further than VMware Workstation Player, a popular virtualization software that allows you to create and manage virtual machines with ease. In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading and installing VMware Workstation Player on your computer.
What is VMware Workstation Player?
VMware Workstation Player is a free virtualization software developed by VMware, Inc. It allows users to create and manage virtual machines on a single host computer. With VMware Workstation Player, you can install and run multiple operating systems on a single computer, without the need for separate hardware.
Key Features of VMware Workstation Player
Before we dive into the download and installation process, let's take a look at some of the key features of VMware Workstation Player:
System Requirements for VMware Workstation Player
Before you download and install VMware Workstation Player, make sure your computer meets the system requirements:
Downloading VMware Workstation Player
Now that you know the system requirements, let's download VMware Workstation Player:
Installing VMware Workstation Player
Once the download is complete, let's install VMware Workstation Player:
For Windows:
For Linux:
Launching VMware Workstation Player
Once the installation is complete, let's launch VMware Workstation Player: download vmware workstation player
Creating a Virtual Machine
Now that you have VMware Workstation Player installed, let's create a virtual machine:
Conclusion
In this article, we guided you through the process of downloading and installing VMware Workstation Player on your Windows or Linux computer. With VMware Workstation Player, you can create and manage virtual machines, run multiple operating systems, and test new software without affecting your primary system. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or simply a curious user, VMware Workstation Player is an essential tool to have in your toolkit. So go ahead, download VMware Workstation Player today, and start exploring the world of virtualization!
As of 2026, the way you download VMware Workstation has changed significantly. VMware Workstation Player was discontinued as a standalone product in May 2024 because VMware made the more powerful VMware Workstation Pro free for personal use [15, 33]. Later, in November 2024, it was made free for commercial and educational use as well [19, 29].
If you are looking for the software, you should now download VMware Workstation Pro, which includes all the features of the old Player and more. Step-by-Step: How to Download VMware Workstation Pro
Because VMware is now part of Broadcom, the download process requires a Broadcom support account [5.2, 5.20].
Register for an Account: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and create a free account using your personal email [5.12, 5.20].
Navigate to Downloads: Once logged in, go to the Software tab and select VMware Cloud Foundation [5.12, 5.24].
Find the Software: Click on My Downloads in the left-hand menu and search for "Workstation" [5.4, 5.12].
Select the Version: Choose VMware Workstation Pro (e.g., version 17.x). Note that the "Personal Use" version uses the exact same installer as the commercial version [5.27, 5.31].
Agree & Download: You must click the Terms and Conditions link and accept them before the cloud download icon becomes active [5.20, 5.21].
Verification: You may be prompted to verify your address or profile details. Ensure these are accurate to avoid "pending verification" delays [5.12, 5.16]. Installation Tips Are you looking to run a second operating
Run as Admin: Right-click the downloaded .exe file and select Run as Administrator [5.7, 5.9].
License Prompt: When you first run the software, select the option for Personal Use to bypass the requirement for a license key [5.3, 5.29].
System Requirements: Ensure your PC has enough RAM (at least 8GB recommended) and that Virtualization Technology (VT-x/AMD-V) is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI [5.8, 5.13]. Why use Workstation Pro instead of Player?
Snapshots: Create "save points" for your VMs so you can roll back if something breaks.
Advanced Networking: Better control over virtual networks and DHCP settings.
Multiple VMs: Run and manage multiple virtual machines simultaneously in a tabbed interface.
Here's the official download page and related information for VMware Workstation Player (now often referred to as VMware Workstation Pro for personal use, since Broadcom simplified the free offering).
You will see options for:
Click the Download button. The file is roughly 500MB to 600MB in size.
Official Source: customerconnect.vmware.com (formerly MyVMware).
Steps:
Even with the official link, users encounter issues. Here are the top three:
Windows (concise):
Linux (concise):