VMware Workstation Pro
VMware Workstation Pro is a desktop virtualization platform that lets you run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single Windows or Linux host. It is used by developers, IT administrators, and security researchers to test software across different environments without needing separate physical hardware.
What it does
You create a virtual machine by pointing the wizard at an ISO file, allocating RAM and disk space, and clicking finish. The VM boots into its own window where you install and use the guest operating system as if it were a separate computer. You can run several VMs at the same time, each with its own network configuration, and switch between them in tabs. VMware Tools, installed inside the guest, enables seamless mouse movement, shared clipboard, drag and drop file transfers, and dynamic display resizing.
Snapshots are the feature that makes Workstation Pro indispensable for testing. A snapshot captures the complete state of a VM, including memory contents, at a specific moment. You can take a snapshot before installing untrusted software, run your tests, and then revert the entire machine to its previous state in seconds. Linked clones let you spin up lightweight copies of an existing VM that share the base disk, saving significant storage when you need multiple identical environments for lab setups or training.
Advantages
- Snapshot and revert workflow makes it safe to test destructive changes to any operating system
- Runs Windows, Linux, and other x86 operating systems simultaneously on one machine
- Virtual networking editor allows building isolated lab networks entirely within the host
- Now available at no cost for personal use after the Broadcom licensing change
Drawbacks
- Running multiple VMs demands substantial RAM and CPU resources from the host
- 3D graphics acceleration in guest VMs is limited and not suitable for gaming
- Large VM disk files (50 GB and above per machine) consume significant storage over time
- Commercial use still requires a paid license from Broadcom
Who it is for
I use Workstation Pro daily to maintain test environments for different Windows and Linux builds. The snapshot tree lets me break things fearlessly, and reverting to a clean state takes about five seconds. If you develop software that must work across operating systems, study for IT certifications, or analyze potentially malicious files in an isolated environment, Workstation Pro gives you a full lab on a single machine. The fact that personal use is now free removes the one barrier that previously pushed hobbyists toward VirtualBox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VMware Workstation Pro free?
How much RAM do I need for VMware Workstation?
What is the difference between VMware Workstation and VirtualBox?
Can I run macOS in VMware Workstation?
Features & How-To Guide
| # | Feature | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virtual machine creation | File › New Virtual Machine › Typical › Select ISO image › Allocate RAM and disk › Finish › VM ready to launch. |
| 2 | Machine state snapshot creation | VM › Snapshot › Take Snapshot › Enter a name › Saves the full VM state including RAM for later restore. |
| 3 | Windows 11 installation without TPM and Secure Boot | VM › Install VMware Tools › In the guest run the installer from the virtual CD › Improves performance and mouse/screen integration. |
| 4 | Machine restoration from snapshot | VM › Snapshot › Snapshot Manager › Select a snapshot › Go To › VM returns to the exact state at the time it was saved. |
| 5 | Multi-system simultaneous execution | Each VM in a separate tab › Power On on each › All run in parallel limited only by host resources. |
| 6 | Virtual machine cloning | VM › Manage › Clone › Full Clone (independent copy) or Linked Clone (saves space) › New VM based on the existing one. |
| 7 | Folder sharing with host | VM › Settings › Options › Shared Folders › Add › Select a folder on the host › Available in the guest as a network drive. |
| 8 | Virtual network configuration | Edit › Virtual Network Editor › Add NAT/Bridged/Host-Only networks › Assign to VM in Settings › Network Adapter. |
| 9 | Allocated resource change | VM › Settings › Hardware › Memory (RAM slider), Processors (number of cores), Hard Disk (disk expansion). |
| 10 | Virtual machine export to OVF format | File › Export to OVF › Choose location › Exports the VM to a standard format portable between platforms. |
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