VMware Fusion: Powerfully Simple Virtual Machines for Mac
VMware Fusion gives Mac users the power to run Windows on Mac along with hundreds of other operating systems side by side with Mac applications, without rebooting. Fusion is simple enough for home users and powerful enough for IT professionals, developers and businesses.
VMware Fusion Overview
Learn how easy it is to run Windows on your Mac.
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Fusion and Fusion Pro deliver professional Mac desktop virtualization for IT pros, developers and businesses as well as everyday Mac users.
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VMware Fusion: Powerfully Simple
Run Nearly Any Operating System on a Mac
Running Windows on Mac is only the beginning. VMware Fusion lets you choose from hundreds of supported operating systems, from lesser-known Linux distributions to the latest Windows 10 release, to run side by side with the latest macOS release.
Connect to VMware vSphere
Securely connect with vSphere, ESXi and Workstation servers to launch, control and manage both virtual machines (VMs) and physical hosts. Thanks to the common VMware platform, VMs can be easily transferred from the vSphere data center to the Mac desktop and then run in Fusion.
Develop and Test for Any Platform
Fusion makes it simple to test nearly any OS and app on a Mac. Build and test apps in a sandbox while securely sharing local source files and folders. Fusion Pro now includes a RESTful API to integrate with modern development tools like Docker, Vagrant, Ansible, Chef, and others to fit the power of VMware into today’s Agile and DevOps-oriented production pipelines.
Design and Demo Complex Solutions
With the ability to run an entire virtual cloud stack on a single Mac, solution architects can demonstrate their entire software solution in real time, with safe rollback points to return to known configurations. Fully express the story of your software journey by running all of its components on a single notebook to show the world.
Run Local Corporate Desktops
Isolate corporate desktops from BYO devices by disabling copy-and-paste, drag-and-drop, shared folders and access to USB devices. Run restricted VMs that are encrypted and password-protected, ensuring that only authorized users can interact with corporate data.
Make Windows Feel at Home on Mac
Fusion blends your Windows experience seamlessly with the Mac you love. You have the flexibility to keep the two worlds securely apart, or integrate them for one seamless experience. Install a fresh OS like Windows 10 or easily convert an older PC into a virtual one.
FEATURES
macOS Catalina
Ready for macOS Catalina
Run nearly any operating system on macOS 10.15 Catalina without rebooting. Fusion now has added support for the striking Dark Mode look and feel, as well as support for the remarkable all-new Sidecar feature. With Sidecar, you can drive Windows from your iPad in fullscreen just as if it were a second display, complete with mouse, keyboard, Apple Pencil and full touchscreen support.
Powerful Graphics
Powerful Graphics
Fusion can drive complex, GPU intensive applications and games with an improved hardware accelerated 3D graphics engine leveraging Apple Metal graphics technology. By providing DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 capabilities to Windows and Linux virtual machines and now allowing for up to 3GB of vRAM per-VM, Fusion leads the way in virtual machine graphics performance and accuracy.
Improved vSphere Connectivity
Improved vSphere Connectivity
Connect to vCenter, ESXi or Workstation Pro servers to drive, control, and configure VMs or ESXi Hosts, with impoved visibility into Datacenter and Host topology. With the common underlying VMware hypervisor, Fusion makes it easy to transfer virtual machines back and forth with a simple drag-and-drop, or control VMs directly from the corporate data center from the comfort of your Mac. Available in Fusion Pro only.
Helpful Snapshots and Clones
Use Snapshots to create a rollback point to revert to on the fly, which is perfect for testing software or creating repeatable demos. Clones make it easy to test a variety of different scenarios without the need to deploy the same OS configuration multiple times.
Complement to Boot Camp
No more choosing between Windows or Mac at start-up. Fusion lets you run Windows and Mac apps side-by-side directly from your existing Boot Camp partition without re-installing or rebooting.
Clones for Rapid Duplication
Save time and effort when creating the same virtual machine configuration repeatedly. Use “Linked Clones” to quickly duplicate a VM while significantly reducing physical disk space, or use “Full Clones” to create fully isolated duplicates that can be shared with other Fusion or Workstation users. *Pro Only
Accessibility
VMware is dedicated to supporting its customers by making Fusion and Fusion Pro accessible to everyone, including those in alignment with the regulations of Section 508 standards. Leverage the Mac’s assistive technology and Fusion to interact with elements inside of Windows to give accessibility controls to applications that wouldn’t otherwise have them. Learn more about VMware's commitment to accessibility.
Support for the latest Windows 10 updates
Support for the latest Windows 10 updates
Stay on the cutting edge with full support for running the latest versions of Windows 10 as a virtual machine on your Mac.
Fusion REST API
Fusion REST API
Fusion Pro provides a secure RESTful API service designed for automation and third-party software integration. Leveraging the Swagger.io framework the Fusion API uses standard HTTP/S and JSON to control over 25 different VM and Host and Network operations. Build custom deployment tools to deliver macOS-as-a-Service, or integrate Fusion into a modern, continuously iterative development pipeline with automated testing. Now available in all Fusion editions.
Unity View Mode
Unity View Mode
Fusion’s Unity View Mode hides the Windows desktop so you can run Windows apps just like Mac apps. Windows apps can launch directly from Dock, Spotlight or Launchpad and, once running, can be viewed in Exposé, Spaces and Mission Control just as if they were Mac apps.
Updated Virtual Hardware Platform
Fusion leverages the next generation vSphere Hypervisor platform, and brings new enhancements for data center testing and enterprise security. Fusion now includes a new virtual Trusted Platform Module for supporting Microsoft Virtualization Based Security technologies such as Device Guard and Credential Guard, as well as UEFI Secure Boot and virtual NVMe devices, and adds support for 3GB vGPU configurations.
Integrated Experience
Enjoy seamless copy-and-paste between Windows and Mac, drag-and-drop file sharing, folder sharing and mirroring, and networking and printing that require no setup but can be highly customized for professional or advanced use cases.
Sandboxed Experience
Isolate the Mac from Windows by disabling integration features to secure and protect the operating systems from each other. VMware Fusion gives you choices that aren’t possible when carrying a second computer.
Simplified OS Installs
With Fusion, you can run Windows from a Boot Camp partition, install from a Windows disc, migrate from an existing PC or even install macOS as a virtual machine from the recovery partition. Fusion provides a simple yet customizable way to install multiple operating systems on your Mac. New in Fusion is updated support for the Open Virtualization Format which includes an effortless installation walkthrough of the VMware vCenter Server Appliance OVA.
Retina and 5K Display Ready
VMware Fusion looks great on the latest 5K iMac displays and supports mixed retina and non-retina setups. Use a standard DPI display with your retina MacBook Pro or add a 4K display to your setup without hassle. No matter what sort of display you’re using, Fusion makes Windows look better than ever.
USE CASES
VMware Fusion is designed for every kind of Mac user. IT pros, developers and businesses choose VMware Fusion Pro for its broad OS support, rock-solid stability and advanced features simply not available in a non-virtualized environment.
Solutions for IT Pros
Solutions for IT Pros
Design, test and demo software solutions for nearly any device, platform or cloud.
Solutions for Developers
Solutions for Businesses
Solutions for Businesses
Enable BYO by delivering corporate desktops and apps to any user, anywhere.
TECH SPECS
Metal Host Graphics Rendering Engine
Hardware
- MacBook (early 2015)
- MacBook Air (mid 2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (mid 2012 or newer)
- Mac Mini (late 2012 or newer)
- iMac (late 2012 or newer)
- Mac Pro (late 2013 and newer)
Software
- Mac OS X 10.13 or later
See Apple's documentation regarding Metal supported Macs: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205073
COMPARE
Fusion or Fusion Pro - Choose the Right Version for You
| Fusion | Fusion Pro | |
General |
||
| Create and run multiple operating systems as VMs | ||
| Create Large VMs (16 CPU, 64GB RAM) | ||
| New App Menu | ||
| Customizable Touch Bar Support | ||
| Multiple Snapshots | ||
| Convert PC into a virtual machine | ||
macOS Integration |
||
| Host/guest file sharing | ||
| Shared/Mirrored Folders | ||
| Run VM with Different View Modes | ||
| Unity View Mode | ||
| 3D graphics with DX10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 support | ||
Device Support |
||
| Runs on the Latest macOS | ||
| High Resolution 4K/5K/Retina Display Support | ||
| Virtual Trusted Platform Module Device | ||
| UEFI + Secure Boot Support | ||
| Virtual NVMe Device | ||
| Support a Wide Range of Virtual Devices | ||
| USB Smart Card Reader Support | ||
| Works with Assistive Devices (Section 508 Compliant) | ||
| Multi-language Keyboard Support | ||
Operating System Support |
||
| Support for Windows 10 VM | ||
| Support for macOS Mojave Host and Guest | ||
| Over 200 Supported OSs (Linux, older Windows, BSD) | ||
| Run BootCamp as VM | ||
| Import/Convert BootCamp into VM | ||
Advanced Features |
||
| Fusion REST API | ||
| One-Click SSH to Linux VM | ||
| Command Line Operation: vmrun and VIX | ||
| 3rdParty Integrations | ||
| Create Linked Clones | ||
| Create Full Clones | ||
| Customizable Advanced Networking | ||
| Secure VM Encryption | ||
| Connect to vSphere/ESXi Server | ||
| Improved vSphere Remote View | ||
| Virtual Network Customization (NAT, network rename) | ||
| Virtual Network Simulation (Packet Loss, Latency, Bandwidth) | ||
FAQS
VMware Fusion
See AllWhat programs can I run with VMware Fusion?
VMware Fusion lets you run more than 200 operating systems as virtual machines, including Windows XP through Windows 20 Fall Creators updates. Nearly all programs that run on these operating systems will run with VMware Fusion. Programs can range from common productivity suites (such as Microsoft Office) to graphics-intensive programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, as well as custom applications.
Can I play 3D games in a virtual machine?
Yes, VMware Fusion 11.5 has 3D hardware-accelerated graphics support. For Windows VMs, Fusion now supports DirectX 10.1 (with Shader Model 4.1) and earlier. For Windows and Linux guests, Fusion provides OpenGL 3.3 capabilities. Fusion uses Apple Metal graphics technology to render 3D hardware-accelerated graphics to virtual machines on compatible Mac systems. See VMware Fusion system requirements for details.
Fusion with Windows
See AllCan I convert my old Windows PC into a virtual machine for VMware Fusion?
Yes, VMware Fusion includes a simple Migration Assistant for Windows that allows you to quickly and easily move your entire PC to your Mac as a virtual machine. Install a simple application on your PC, connect it to your Mac, and VMware Fusion will detect your PC and take care of the rest.
Do I need a copy of Windows to run VMware Fusion?
Yes. VMware Fusion requires the installation of an operating system in order to function. The operating system is not included with the purchase of VMware Fusion. You can either migrate an existing copy of Windows from your old PC or install a new one. In order to run a Windows virtual machine, you must have a licensed copy of that Windows operating system or purchase a new Windows license.
Virtual Machine Compatibility
See AllCan I run multiple virtual machines on a Mac at the same time?
Yes, you can run as many virtual machines concurrently with VMware Fusion 10 as your system’s RAM and disk storage will support. In fact, VMware Fusion leverages patented memory-sharing techniques to drastically reduce the memory required to run multiple virtual machines at the same time.
Downloads and Trials
See AllCan I convert my trial license to a permanent license?
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 18 months, 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.
Licensing and Upgrades
See AllHow do I license my copy of VMware Fusion?
To license VMware Fusion, simply enter a purchased license key during product installation in the license key field. Alternatively, you can enter your serial / license key from the "VMware Fusion" drop down menu in the product. Choose "License" in the drop down menu, enter the serial / license key and choose "OK."
Complimentary email support is activated as soon as your VMware Fusion license key is registered. If you purchased the product from the VMware Online store, your license key is automatically registered. If you purchased VMware Fusion 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.
How do I register my copy of VMware Fusion with VMware?
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.
Support
See AllWhen does complimentary support start?
Complimentary support starts when your VMware Fusion 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.
RESOURCES
Technical Resources
Fusion Community
CHOOSE YOUR OS
Run the apps that keep you most productive, wherever you want to use them. If macOS isn’t your main operating system, check out our Workstation products for Windows and Linux.
Workstation Pro
Run multiple operating systems at once on a single PC.
Workstation Player
Run a second and isolated operating system on a single PC.