Unlock the value of any cloud and accelerate the delivery of modern applications with VMware Cloud.
Accelerate modern app operations with network and security virtualization for WAN, data center and cloud.
Enable any employee to work anywhere, anytime with seamless employee experiences.
Leverage your infrastructure across any app, any cloud and any device for intrinsic security at every layer.
Explore tailored solutions for your application framework, cloud infrastructure and security architecture.
Build, run, manage, connect and protect all of your apps, anywhere with a digital foundation built on VMware.
Now includes a new Dark Mode user interface, DirectX 11 Graphics, support for Kubernetes and containers, Hyper-V mode and more.
Done evaluating? Make Workstation 16 Pro yours today.
Deploy local OCI containers and Kubernetes clusters with VM isolation, virtual networking and virtual resource options through the new vctl CLI tool.
Fix more bugs and ship quality code on time using Workstation Pro in development and testing. Virtualize nearly any x86 operating system available today on a desktop PC.
Run ESXi and vCenter as virtual machines on the desktop, and connect to a remote vSphere environment for quick VM access and basic management tasks.
Run a secure second desktop with different privacy settings, tools and networking configurations for online protection, or to take “snapshots” that can be restored later.
Rely on the same hypervisor technology that powers vSphere to run virtual machines and guest operating systems.
Gain a fluid and responsive experience for running 3D applications. Workstation Pro now supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 in virtual machines and games.
Developers on Windows have a new CLI tool, vctl, that can build and run containers and Kubernetes clusters with VM-level isolation and networking.
Create and configure complex IPv4 and IPv6 virtual networks for VMs, with added network latency and bandwidth simulations to help recreate real-world scenarios.
Design, test and demo software solutions for nearly any device, platform or cloud.
Build and test apps and operating systems with ease.
Enable BYO by delivering corporate desktops and apps to any user, anywhere.
IT Pros
Developers
Businesses
VMware Workstation runs on standard x86-based hardware with 64-bit Intel and AMD processors, and on 64-bit Windows or Linux host operating systems. For more detail, see our System Requirements documentation.
System Requirements
General Host OS Requirements
VMware Workstation Pro and Player run on most 64-bit Windows or Linux host operating systems:
Note that Windows 7 hosts are no longer supported, Workstation 16 will not function on them.
VMware Workstation 16 supports hundreds of 32-bit and 64-bit guest operating systems.
Here is a list of the most popular:
See the VMware Compatibility Guide for a complete list of supported host and guest operating systems.
For Hyper-V Enabled Hosts:
CPU Requirements :
Host Operating Systems:
Minimum Requirements to Run Container Runtime on Workstation Windows Host Operating Systems:
Minimum Requirements to Dark Theme support on Workstation Windows Host Operating Systems:
For 3D Hardware Accelerated Graphics Support:
Hardware Requirements:
Software Requirements:
* With exception, the following CPUs are not supported:
In addition, the following CPUs are supported:
For a complete list of supported host and guest the operating systems visit the VMware Compatibility Guide.
Virtual machines for Mac
Free local virtualization solution for Windows and Linux
Server virtualization software
General |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Create New VMs |
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Create Large VMs (32CPU, 128GB RAM) |
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Convert PC into a virtual machine |
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Mass Deployment |
Host Guest Integration |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Host/Guest File Sharing |
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Shared/Mirrored Folders |
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One-Click SSH to Linux VM |
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Run VMs with Different View Modes |
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Unity View Mode (Windows guests only) |
Graphics |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
3D graphics with DX11 and OpenGL 4.1 support |
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Large Graphics Memory: 8GB |
Device Support |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
4K / 5K / Retina Display Support |
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Support a Wide Range of Virtual Devices |
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USB Smart Card Reader Support |
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USB 3.1 Device Support |
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Assistive Device Support (Section 508 Compliant) |
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Multi-Language Keyboard Support |
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Virtual Trusted Platform Module Device |
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Virtual NVMe Device |
Security Features |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Microsoft Virtualization Based Security (Guest) Support |
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Virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) |
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UEFI Boot Support |
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UEFI Secure Boot Support |
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GPU Sandbox Renderer |
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Snapshots |
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Create/Manage Encrypted VM |
Host Operating Systems |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Windows 10 Host |
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| Linux - Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora,RHEL, SUSE, openSUSE | ||
| macOS 10.16 and greater |
Guest Operating Systems |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Over 200 Supported OSs (Linux, older Windows, BSD) |
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Windows 10 Guests |
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macOS Guests |
Mac Host Specific Features |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
macOS 10.16 Host support |
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macOS Guest Support |
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Windows apps in the Mac Dock |
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One-Click SSH to Linux VM |
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Metal Graphics Engine |
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BootCamp Import / Launch |
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Application Menu |
*Workstation Pro does not run on Mac Hosts.
Windows Host Specific Features |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Windows 10 Host |
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DX12 Rendering Engine |
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Hyper-V Mode Support (Device Guard, WSL) |
Linux Host Specific Features |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Vulkan Rendering Engine |
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Host Support - Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, RHEL, SUSE, openSUSE |
Advanced Features |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Command Line Operation: vmrun and VIX |
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vCenter Server Appliance Easy Deploy |
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REST API |
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"Nautilus Container Engine" |
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Virtual Network Customization (NAT, network rename) |
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Virtual Network Simulation (Packet Loss, Latency, Bandwidth) |
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Remote vSphere Host Power Control |
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Create Linked Clones |
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Create Full Clones |
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Encrypt VMs |
Licensing |
Workstation Player |
Workstation Pro |
Free for Personal Use |
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Commercial License |
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Trial License |
VMware Workstation Pro works by creating fully isolated, secure virtual machines that encapsulate an operating system and its applications. The VMware virtualization layer maps the physical hardware resources to the virtual machine's resources, so each virtual machine has its own CPU, memory, disks, and I/O devices, and is the full equivalent of a standard x86 machine. VMware Workstation Pro installs onto the host operating system and provides broad hardware support by inheriting device support from the host.
Any application that will run on a standard PC will run inside a virtual machine on VMware Workstation Pro. VMware Workstation Pro is the equivalent of a full PC, with full networking and devices — each virtual machine has its own CPU, memory, disks, I/O devices, etc. This allows you to run any application that runs on the supported guest operating systems, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Apache Web Server, Microsoft Visual Studio, Kernel debuggers, Firewalls, VPN software and much more.
VMware Workstation Pro runs on most standard x86-based hardware with 64-bit Intel and AMD processors and on 64-bit Windows or Linux host operating systems. Please review the CPU requirements before purchase, as some older CPU’s are no longer compatible. VMware recommends 1.2 GB of available disk space for the application. Additional hard disk space required for each virtual machine. Please refer to vendors recommended disk space for specific guest operating systems.
Workstation 16 Pro requires a 64-bit operating system on the host PC. You can still run your favorite 32-bit Windows and Linux guest operating systems inside a virtual machine on Workstation 16 Pro. If you plan to run 64-bit virtual machines with VMware Workstation Pro, please refer to the Knowledge Base article on compatible 64-bit CPUs.
You can download VMware Workstation Pro software from the Workstation Pro Download page.
After the evaluation period has expired, you will be prompted to enter a license key. If you have purchased the product you will have received a new license key. Enter the purchased license key when prompted to unlock the full "unlimited" version of the software. To take advantage of complimentary email support for up to 30 days, your license key must be registered. If you purchased the product from the VMware Online store, your license key is automatically registered. If you purchased from a reseller, you need to manually register your license key in My VMware. Please consult this KB article for detailed instructions on license key registration.
VMware Workstation 16 Pro upgrades are available for purchase on the VMware online store or through VMware resellers.
IMPORTANT: When you install a new version of Workstation, the previous version will be uninstalled from your system. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed with the upgrade only if you have a new license key. Your existing virtual machines will not be affected.
Customers with versions of VMware Workstation v12 and older will need to purchase a new license. Customers of v14 and greater are eligible for upgrade pricing.
Complimentary support starts when your VMware Workstation Pro license is registered. Registration takes place automatically if you purchase your product from the VMware Online store. If you purchased from a reseller, you need to register your license in My VMware. Please consult this KB article for detailed instructions on license key registration.
Complimentary support for VMware Fusion Player and VMware Fusion Pro is valid for 30 days from product registration.
