VMware Workstation Player

Name: VMware Workstation Player
Availability: InStock
Author: VMware, Inc.

VMware Workstation Player is a free virtual machine application by Broadcom (formerly VMware) for running guest operating systems inside your main OS. It lets you create and run virtual machines on Windows and Linux hosts. Free for personal, non-commercial use - commercial environments require a paid license.

What it does

The core function is running a second operating system inside a window on your desktop. Create a new VM (File > Create a New Virtual Machine), point it at an ISO file, allocate RAM and disk space, and the installer runs just like it would on real hardware. VMware's Easy Install feature automates the setup for common systems like Ubuntu and Windows by filling in user credentials during installation.

Player supports snapshots, so you can save the current state of a VM and revert to it later if something breaks. Shared Folders (VM > Settings > Options > Shared Folders) let you move files between the host and guest. Installing VMware Tools in the guest OS enables better graphics performance, clipboard sharing, drag and drop file transfers, and automatic display resizing.

Player is the stripped down sibling of Workstation Pro. It lacks features like linked clones, virtual network configuration, encrypted VMs, and running multiple VMs simultaneously in separate tabs. If you need those, Workstation Pro is the upgrade path.

Advantages

Free for personal use
Runs Windows, Linux, BSD, and other x86 operating systems as guests
VMware Tools provide smooth integration between host and guest
Stable virtualization engine with good hardware compatibility

Drawbacks

Cannot run multiple VMs in separate tabs like Workstation Pro
No virtual network editor or advanced networking features
Broadcom acquisition has caused licensing confusion since 2023
VirtualBox is free for all uses and runs on macOS too

Who it is for

I keep VMware Player installed for testing software in isolated environments and occasionally running Linux alongside Windows. If you need to run one VM at a time for testing or learning, Player does the job well. For developers who need multiple VMs running simultaneously or advanced networking, I would recommend VirtualBox (completely free) or upgrading to Workstation Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VMware Workstation Player free?

Yes, for personal non-commercial use. Commercial environments require a paid license. The program is available for Windows and Linux hosts.

What is the difference between Player and Workstation Pro?

Player is a simplified version that runs one VM at a time. Workstation Pro adds linked clones, virtual network editor, encrypted VMs, multiple simultaneous VMs in tabs, and advanced snapshot management.

Can VMware Player run macOS?

VMware does not officially support running macOS as a guest on non-Apple hardware. Community workarounds exist but violate Apple's license agreement.

Does VMware Player support snapshots?

Yes. Player supports a single snapshot per VM to save and restore state. Workstation Pro offers full snapshot trees with multiple branches.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Existing virtual machine execution	File › Open a Virtual Machine › Choose a .vmx file › Play Virtual Machine.
2	VMware Tools installation in guest	Create New VM › Installer disc image file › Choose an ISO (Ubuntu/Fedora) › Easy Install fills in the details › Set RAM and disk › Finish.
3	New virtual machine creation	File › Create a New Virtual Machine › Typical › Point to ISO › Configure RAM and disk › Finish.
4	Visual C++ Redistributable installation	In a running VM: VM › Install VMware Tools › Run the installer inside the guest › Restart the VM.
5	Windows execution in virtual machine	Create New VM › Choose a Windows ISO › Enter the product key (optional) › Allocate RAM (min. 4 GB) and disk (min. 60 GB) › Finish.
6	File sharing between host and virtual machine	VM › Settings › Options › Shared Folders › Always Enabled › Add › Choose a folder on the host.
7	Resource configuration (RAM/CPU/disk)	VM › Settings › Hardware › Memory/Processors/Hard Disk › Set values › OK.
8	Snapshot creation and restoration	VM › Snapshot › Take Snapshot (Ctrl+S in the VM menu) › Name the snapshot. Restore: Snapshot › Revert to Snapshot.