Workstation Player - updated on 6/20/16
VMware Workstation 12 Player is a streamlined desktop virtualization application that runs one or more operating systems on the same computer without rebooting.
Streamlined PC Virtualization for Business
With its simple user interface, unmatched operating system support and portability, Workstation Player makes it easier than ever for IT professionals to get their users up and running with a corporate desktop.
WHAT’S NEW
Connect with the Workstation Player community and stay up-to-date
Built for Windows 10 and More
Workstation 12 Player is the best way to run Windows 10 with your existing Windows or Linux PC. In a few simple steps you can easily install Windows 10 in a virtual machines from a disk or ISO image using the Workstation Player Virtual Machines Wizard. With Workstation 12 Player you can start taking advantage of the latest Windows 10 features like Cortana the personal digital assistant, inking capabilities in the new Edge web browser, or even start building Universal Apps for Windows 10 devices. You can even ask Cortana to launch VMware Workstation right from Windows 10.
For organizations and technical users that run the latest Linux distributions, Workstation 12 Player supports Ubuntu 15.04, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.1, Fedora 22, and many more.
STATE OF THE ART VIRTUALIZATION
Ready for the Latest Hardware
Take advantage of the latest Intel based tablets with Workstation Player virtual tablets sensors. Leverage the latest Microsoft Surface tablets with Workstation Players virtual accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and ambient light sensor to enable applications running in the virtual machines to respond when a user moves, rotates and shakes their tablet. Whether you are running on a laptop, tablet or desktop, Workstation 12 Player supports the latest Intel 64-bit x86 processors, including the Broadwell and Haswell microarchitecture for maximum performance.
Display Powerful 3D Graphics
Workstation 12 Player now supports DirectX 10 and OpenGL 3.3, delivering a more fluid and responsive experience when running 3D applications. You now have access to all the applications that require DirectX 10 such as Microsoft’s Power Map tool for Excel, allowing you to visualize data in a whole new dimension. In addition, Workstation Player makes running highly demanding 3D applications like AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS a snap in a virtual machine.
ACCESS AND CONTROL
Run Restricted and Expiring Virtual Machines
VMware Workstation Player has the ability to run restricted virtual machines created by VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Fusion Pro. Restricted virtual machines are the easiest way to secure corporate desktops with encryption, runtime password protection, USB access restriction, isolation between the host and guest OS, and time limitation. Workstation 12 Player now improves the performance of encrypted VMs during suspend and resume operations with up to 3X faster performance over previous versions of Workstation.
For workers assigned to short-term projects, temporary employees, or software evaluations, Workstation Player allows you to run restricted virtual machines expire at a predefined date and time. When powered on, the virtual machine will query the server at specified time intervals, storing the current system time in the restricted virtual machine's policy file as the last trusted timestamp. An expired virtual machine will automatically suspend and will not restart without administrator intervention.
Ready for High Resolution Displays
Workstation 12 Player has been optimized to support high resolution 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) displays for Desktops and QHD+ (3200x1800) displays used in laptops and x86 tablets providing you with a crisp and detailed experience. Workstation 12 Player now supports multiple monitors on the host with different DPI settings so you can run your brand new 4K UHD display along with your existing 1080P HD display.
Ready for High Resolution Displays
Workstation 12 Player has been optimized to support high resolution 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) displays for Desktops and QHD+ (3200x1800) displays used in laptops and x86 tablets providing you with a crisp and detailed experience. Workstation 12 Player now supports multiple monitors on the host with different DPI settings so you can run your brand new 4K UHD display along with your existing 1080P HD display.
Run Restricted and Expiring Virtual Machines
VMware Workstation Player has the ability to run restricted virtual machines created by VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Fusion Pro. Restricted virtual machines are the easiest way to secure corporate desktops with encryption, runtime password protection, USB access restriction, isolation between the host and guest OS, and time limitation. Workstation 12 Player now improves the performance of encrypted VMs during suspend and resume operations with up to 3X faster performance over previous versions of Workstation.
For workers assigned to short-term projects, temporary employees, or software evaluations, Workstation Player allows you to run restricted virtual machines expire at a predefined date and time. When powered on, the virtual machine will query the server at specified time intervals, storing the current system time in the restricted virtual machine's policy file as the last trusted timestamp. An expired virtual machine will automatically suspend and will not restart without administrator intervention.
Enhanced Connectivity
Taking advantage of the latest hardware supporting HD audio with 7.1 surround sound, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth devices makes it easy to get your new webcam, headset or printer connected in a virtual machine. Workstation 12 Player now supports USB 3.0 in Windows 7 besides Windows 8 for ultra-fast file transfers with external storage devices. In addition Workstation 12 Player improves performance of Skype or Lync conference calls within guest virtual machines so you can conduct crystal clear conference calls from your virtual machines.
Enhanced Connectivity
Taking advantage of the latest hardware supporting HD audio with 7.1 surround sound, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth devices makes it easy to get your new webcam, headset or printer connected in a virtual machine. Workstation 12 Player now supports USB 3.0 in Windows 7 besides Windows 8 for ultra-fast file transfers with external storage devices. In addition Workstation 12 Player improves performance of Skype or Lync conference calls within guest virtual machines so you can conduct crystal clear conference calls from your virtual machines.
FEATURES
Easy PC Virtualization for Windows and Linux
VMware Workstation Player provides a streamlined user interface for creating, running and evaluating operating systems and applications in a virtual machine on Windows or Linux PCs. Easily interact and exchange data between applications running in the virtual machine and the desktop.
Unmatched OS Support for Ultimate Compatibili
Workstation Player supports hundreds of guest operating systems – old and new - so you can continue to run the applications you need in a virtual machine for as long as you want. With support for the latest releases of Windows and Linux as well as support for prevalent operating systems like Windows XP and Windows 7, or even the new Windows 10, Workstation Player turns a regular PC into the ultimate computer for compatibility. VMware Workstation Player is the best way to run multiple operating systems and corporate desktops in an isolated and protected environment on modern hardware.
Virtual Machine Portability
With VMware Workstation Player, complete desktop environments including the operating system, applications and user configurations can be containerized in a virtual machine and easily shared. Instead of buying and shipping additional hardware, reduce costs by providing VMware Workstation Player along with a virtual machine containing your secure desktop image.
Run Restricted Virtual Machines
Workstation Player has the ability to run restricted virtual machines created by VMware Workstation or VMware Fusion Pro. Restricted virtual machines are the easiest way to secure corporate desktops with encryption, runtime password protection, USB access restriction, isolation between the host and guest OS, and time limitation. Workstation Player makes it incredibly easy to ensure corporate compliance by running restricted virtual machines.
Consolidate and Recycle Old PC Hardware
It’s never been easier to consolidate and recycle your old computers. Use the free VMware vCenter Converter utility accessible from Workstation Player to turn existing Windows and Linux based computers into virtual machines and eliminate the need to re-install and re-configure your existing OS and applications. Once converted, use Workstation Player to manage and run all your virtual machine on new hardware.
Workstation Player is Designed for IT and Academic Professio
Workstation Player is designed for IT professionals who need to efficiently create and deliver a virtual desktop to employees, contractors or customers. It also allows academic professionals to quickly deliver complete virtual desktops to students preconfigured with all the lessons, applications and tools required for the course while increasing control and security.
Workstation 12 Player Free for Personal Use
Workstation 12 Player is licensed for commercial use and is enabled to run restricted virtual machines. If you simply want to learn more about virtual machines or run virtual machines at home in a non-commercial environment you may use Workstation 12 Player at no cost.
FAQS
Product
See AllWhat is VMware Workstation Player?
VMware Workstation Player (formerly known as Player Pro) is a desktop virtualization application that is available for free for personal use. A Commercial License can be applied to enable Workstation Player to run Restricted Virtual Machines created by VMware Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro.
Can I still use VMware Workstation Player for free?
VMware Workstation Player is free for personal non-commercial use (business and non-profit use is considered commercial use). If you would like to learn about virtual machines or use them at home you are welcome to use VMware Workstation Player for free. Students and faculty of accredited educational institutions can use VMware Workstation Player for free if they are members of the VMware Academic Program.
What can I do with VMware Workstation Player?
Use VMware Workstation Player to create, run, evaluate, and share software running in virtual machines:
- Create: Use VMware Workstation Player to create virtual machines with the latest 32-bit and 64-bit Windows and Linux operating systems. With Easy Install it’s easier than installing them directly on your PC.
- Run: VMware Workstation Player can be used by anyone to run virtual machines on a Windows or Linux PC. VMware Workstation Player makes it quick and easy to take advantage of the security, flexibility, and portability of virtual machines.
- Evaluate: VMware Workstation Player is ideal for safely evaluating software distributed as a virtual appliance. Virtual appliances are pre-built, pre-configured and ready-to-run enterprise software applications packaged along with an operating system in a virtual machine. With VMware Workstation Player, anyone can quickly and easily experience the benefits of preconfigured products without any installation or configuration hassles. Run over 900 virtual appliances from leading software vendors available from the VMware Solution Exchange.
What is the difference between the free and paid editions of VMware Workstation Player?
VMware Workstation Player is a free download, but purchasing and entering a license key entitles the users to use the product commercially for employees, training organizations, contractors and can be transferred to partners or potential customers. When licensed, VMware Workstation Player is enabled to run restricted virtual machines created by VMware Fusion Pro or VMware Workstation Pro. Additionally, when licensed, VMware Workstation Player better supports mass deployments to thousands of users including installation options and custom configuration settings to run unattended installs using system configuration software and hide unwanted features.
Installation
See AllCan VMware Workstation Player install on the same machine as other VMware products?
No. VMware Workstation Player is not designed to co-install with other VMware products. If an installation of VMware Workstation, VMware Workstation Pro, or VMware Server is detected on a machine where Workstation Player is being installed, the Workstation Player installation will display an error message and abort. However, if you purchase and install Workstation Pro, a version of Workstation Player that will work is included.
What are the minimum PC requirements to install and use VMware Workstation Player?
We recommend that you have a 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor (2GHz recommended) and 2GB RAM minimum (4GB RAM recommended). You must have enough memory to run the 64-bit host operating system, plus the memory required for each guest operating system and for applications on the host and guest. VMware Player requires approximately 150MB of disk space to install the application. For more details on requirements, see the VMware Player Documentation.You can download VMware Workstation Player software from the Workstation Player Download page for evaluation in a non-commercial environment.
What if I still need to run Workstation 12 Player on a 32-bit Host?
Player 6 Plus is the last version that supports either a 32-bit or 64-bit operating systems running on the host PC. If you plan to run 64-bit virtual machines with VMware Workstation Player, please refer to the Knowledge Base article on compatible 64-bit CPUs.
You can also purchase Workstation 12 Player and downgrade to Player 6 Plus via the My VMware Portal - please reference knowledge base article "How to downgrade license keys in My VMware."
Downloads
See AllHow can I download VMware Workstation Player?
You can download VMware Workstation Player software from the Workstation Player Download page for evaluation in a non-commercial environment.
Licensing and Upgrades
See AllHow do I register my copy of VMware Workstation Player 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.
How do I purchase Workstation Player upgrades?
VMware Workstation Player upgrades are available for purchase on the VMware online store or through VMware resellers.
Do I get free updates (not upgrades) when I purchase VMware Workstation Player?
Yes. The price of VMware Workstation Player includes an update service that entitles you to product updates and patches, which are new releases of Workstation Player within a given product version (e.g. x.1, and x.1.1, and so forth). VMware Workstation Player will automatically download updates or you may download updates by visiting the Workstation Player Download Page.
NOTE: The price of Workstation Player entitles a customer to free updates, but not free upgrades. Upgrade releases contain functional enhancements or significant extensions and must be purchased separately unless you have an active support and subscription (SnS) contract.
Support
See AllWhen does complimentary support start?
Complimentary support starts when your VMware Workstation Player 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.
What is the support period for VMware Workstation Player?
VMware Workstation Player follows the Personal Desktop lifecycle policy. Please refer to our lifecycle policies for detailed information and end of support dates.
RESOURCES
Technical Information
Player Community
TECH SPECS
Host Operating Systems (64-bit required)
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2008
- Ubuntu 8.04 and above
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and above
- CentOS 5.0 and above
- Oracle Linux 5.0 and above
- openSUSE 10.2 and above
- SUSE Linux 10 and above
Guest Operating Systems
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows XP
- Ubuntu
- RedHat
- SUSE
- Oracle Linux
- Debian
- Fedora
- openSUSE
- Mint
- CentOS
- Solaris, FreeBSD, and various other Linux Distros