VMware Workstation Pro is a paid virtualization software that lets you run another operating system inside your current one. Want to use Linux in some situations, but only have a Windows 10 computer? No problem – use VMware Workstation on Windows to install Ubuntu.
This program even allows you to run multiple operating systems at the same time. If all you have is Windows 10, but you love playing old Windows XP games and also have a few programs that only run on Mac, just boot the XP or Mac VM, make it full screen and use it like this the same as you would if it was your only OS.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
The process of installing a new operating system in VMware Workstation is quite simple because the installation wizard makes it easy. Below are step-by-step screen shots showing everything you need to know from the initial setup screen to loading a new operating system.
Tip. Also, be sure to read the section at the very bottom of this page for some first-time setup tips.
Install a new operating system into VMware Workstation
Step 1. Select “File” “New Virtual Machine”.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Step 2. Select “Normal” (Recommended) and click “Next”.
– /
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Step 3. Choose how to install the operating system.
Select the installation disc if the operating system is installed in the drive. Otherwise, select an installer disk image (iso) file if you have a file that contains an OS, such as a Windows 10 ISO or an ISO for macOS.
Step 4: Choose exactly where the OS files are located.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
If you chose to install the operating system from disk, select the desired drive from the drop-down menu. To install the ISO, select Browse and find the ISO image.
Step 5: Click Next to go to the screen where you name the new virtual machine and choose a location to store its files. Fill in this information, and then click Next again.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Important! Be sure to choose a location that can handle the possibly very large files generated by the operating system when it is used. If you use this VM heavily, you might need hundreds of gigabytes. If there is no free space on your local hard drive, we recommend storing it on an external hard drive.
Note. For some operating system settings, you will be prompted for the product key that was used to activate it. You can skip this step if you want to enter the key later.
Step 6. Determine how storage should work on this virtual machine and click Next.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
You can change the maximum size of a virtual hard disk in a small box. At the bottom of this window, there are two options: save the virtual disk as one file, and save the virtual disk to multiple files.
Choose the second option if you think you might one day move your VMware hard drive to another computer, but note the text on this screen that mentions possible performance degradation when using multiple files on a large hard drive.
In other words, if you plan to store a lot of data on this virtual machine, select the “single file” option, otherwise select “multiple files”.
Step 7: Select “Configure Hardware” and make the necessary changes. You can change information about memory, processors, disk drive, network adapter, USB controller, sound card, printer, and display.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
For example, in the Memory section, you specify how much physical memory is allocated to the virtual machine. If you later decide that you have allocated too little memory for the virtual machine, it may be slow. Likewise, if you give too much, your host computer will be slow and it will be difficult for him to even use the virtual machine.
VMware Workstation recommends a specific amount depending on how much you have installed, but you can adjust the amount of memory to whatever you want (although it’s better to stick to the recommended level). Different operating systems require different amounts of memory (for example, Windows 10 requires more than Windows 2000).
The network adapter is an important component here that you may need to configure later if your virtual machine does not have access to the Internet. There are several options, and some of them may or may not work as expected depending on how your host machine is configured and how the guest OS (virtual machine) works. You can skip this for now to select the default option.
Step 8: Select “Close” to close the Hardware screen and then click “Finish”.
VMware Workstation will create the virtual disk specified in step 6 and then automatically power on the virtual machine. This process may take a while, but you can monitor the progress bar to see when it completes.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Step 9: Follow the instructions on the screen to start installing the OS. For example, if you see Press any key to boot from CD or DVD , do so to start installing the OS.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Step 10. Follow the instructions for installing your specific operating system to add the OS to VMware Workstation.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
Things to remember
The VM Snapshot option lets you freeze the current state of the virtual machine so you can return to the same state later. You may need to do this if the operating system subsequently crashes, you get a lot of viruses that cannot be cured, or you just want to start over from a fresh installation.
We recommend that you take a new snapshot as soon as the operating system is fully installed and logged in, but before any changes are made to the virtual machine.
However, even after that, consider installing all operating system updates and any required programs like your favorite web browser and anti-virus software, Adobe Flash, etc., and then take another shot. Restoring a virtual machine to a state that contains these items will save you time and do not have to reinstall all of them.
VMware Workstation Pro” />
After the operating system is installed and running, go to VM Settings to configure all hardware parameters that you have changed or did not change since step 7. Some parameters are available for editing only when the virtual machine is turned off.
Anytime the VMware virtual machine is powered on, you can shutdown or restart it from the VM Power menu. In the same way, you suspend the virtual machine, that is, suspend it so that you can resume from the same point the next time you access it. This is different from turning it on from off when you need to log in again, open programs and files, etc.
–
VMware Workstation Pro” />