VMware Workstation Pro Lets You Run Multiple Operating Systems as Virtual Machines (including Windows VMs) on a Single Windows or Linux PC

VMware Workstation Pro is the industry standard for running multiple operating systems as virtual machines (VMs) on a single Linux or Windows PC. IT professionals, developers and businesses who build, test or demo software for any device, platform or cloud rely on Workstation Pro.

Workstation Pro Overview

Learn about advanced features for running multiple operating systems as virtual machines (including Linux and Windows VMs) at once on a single PC.

What's New in Workstation 14

Check out what's new in Workstation, including: new networking controls, improved vSphere support and integration, and more.

Buy Workstation Pro Today

Discover the advanced features that are available exclusively with Workstation Pro.

Workstation Pro Delivers a Data Center in Your Laptop

Run Multiple OSs on a Single PC

VMware Workstation Pro allows you to run multiple operating systems at once on the same Windows or Linux PC. Create real Linux and Windows VMs and other desktop, server, and tablet environments, complete with configurable virtual networking and network condition simulation, for use in code development, solution architecting, application testing, product demonstrations and more.

Develop and Test for Any Platform

Workstation Pro supports hundreds of operating systems and works with cloud and container technologies like Docker.

Connect to VMware vSphere

Securely connect with vSphere, ESXi or other Workstation servers to launch, control and manage both virtual machines (VMs) and physical hosts. A common VMware hypervisor maximizes productivity and enables easy transfer of VMs to and from your local PC.

Secure and Isolate Environments

Run a secure second desktop with different privacy settings, tools and networking configurations, or use forensic tools to investigate OS vulnerabilities. Workstation provides one of the most secure hypervisors in the industry and delivers powerful features for IT security professionals.

vSphere Connectivity

Use Workstation Pro to connect to vSphere, ESXi or other Workstation Pro servers. Drive remote Linux or Windows VMs (and others), command power operations, or transfer VMs to and from vSphere environments. A common VMware hypervisor enables simple portability.

Helpful Snapshots

Create a rollback point to revert to on the fly, which is perfect for testing unknown software or creating customer demos. Multiple snapshots make it easy to test a variety of different scenarios without the need to install multiple operating systems.

High-Performance 3D Graphics

VMware Workstation Pro supports DirectX 10 and OpenGL 3.3, to deliver a fluid and responsive experience when running 3D applications. You can run the most highly demanding 3D apps like AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS with near-native performance in a Windows VM.

High Resolution Display Support

Workstation Pro is optimized to support high-resolution 4K UHD (3840x2160) displays for desktops and QHD+ (3200x1800) displays used in laptops and x86 tablets. It also supports multiple monitors with different DPI settings, such as a new 4K UHD display along with an existing 1080p HD display.

Cross Compatibility

Create Linux or Windows VMs that can run across the VMware product portfolio or create restricted VMs for use in Horizon FLEX. We even support the open standard so you can create and play VMs from other vendors.

Clones for Rapid Duplication

Save time and effort and ensure an exact duplicate when repeatedly creating the same VM setup. Use “Linked Clones” to quickly duplicate a VM while significantly reducing physical disk space. Use “Full Clones” to create fully isolated duplicates that can be shared with others.

Powerful Virtual Networking

Create complex IPv4 or IPv6 virtual networks for VMs, or integrate with third-party software to design full data center topologies using real-world routing software and tools. New in Workstation is Network Simulation for introducing packet loss, latency and bandwidth restrictions.

Monster Virtual Machines

Create massive VMs with up to 16 vCPUs, 8 TB virtual disks, and 64 GB of memory to run the most demanding desktop and server applications in a virtualized environment. Give graphics-intensive apps an additional boost by allocating up to 2GB of available host video memory to a VM.

Restricted Access to Virtual Machines

Protect corporate content by restricting access to Workstation VM settings like drag-and-drop, copy-and-paste and connections to USB devices. Virtual machines can be encrypted and password-protected to ensure only authorized users have access.

Shared Virtual Machines

Quickly share and test applications in a simulated production environment. Run VMware Workstation Pro as a server to share a repository of pre-loaded Linux and Windows VMs in every desired configuration with your teammates, department or organization.

Windows Virtualization Done Right

Workstation Pro delivers a desktop virtualization solution designed for every kind of user. IT pros get a high-powered productivity tool. Developers get an expansive engineering environment. Business leaders can enable BYO initiatives. Students and home users get the best of all worlds.

Solutions for IT Pros

Design, test and demo software solutions for nearly any device, platform or cloud.

Solutions for Developers

Build and test apps and operating systems with ease.

Solutions for Businesses

Enable BYO by delivering corporate desktops and apps to any user, anywhere.

TECH SPECS

System Requirements

• Intel Atom processors based on the 2011 “Bonnell” micro-architecture (e.g. Atom Z670/Z650; Atom N570)

• Systems using Intel processors based on the 2010 “Westmere” micro-architecture (e.g. Xeon 5600, Xeon 3600, Core i7-970, Core i7-980, Core i7-990)


• 1.3GHz or faster core speed

Host Operating Systems (64-bit)

• Ubuntu 14.04 and above

Guest Operating Systems

• Windows 10


• Windows 8.X


• Windows 7


• Windows XP


• Ubuntu


• Red Hat


• SUSE


• Oracle Linux


• Debian


• Fedora


• openSUSE


• Mint


• CentOS

For a complete list of supported host and guest the operating systems visit the VMware Compatibility Guide.

Workstation Player or Workstation Pro - Choose the Right Version for You

Workstation Player

Workstation Pro

Host/Guest Integration

Device Support

Advanced Features

New Features

How does VMware Workstation Pro work?

How does VMware Workstation Pro work?

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.

What types of applications can I run in a virtual machine?

What types of applications can I run in a virtual machine?

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.

Installation

What kind of hardware do I need to run VMware Workstation Pro?

What kind of hardware do I need to run VMware Workstation Pro?

VMware Workstation Pro runs on standard x86-based hardware with 64-bit Intel and AMD processors and on 64-bit Windows or Linux host operating systems. 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.

Does Workstation 12 Pro support 32-bit operating systems?

Does Workstation 12 Pro support 32-bit operating systems?

Workstation 12 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 12 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.

Downloads and Trials

How can I download VMware Workstation Pro?

How can I download VMware Workstation Pro?

You can download VMware Workstation Pro software from the Workstation Pro Download page.

Can I convert my trial license to a permanent license?

Can 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 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.

Licensing and Upgrades

How do I purchase Workstation 14 Pro upgrades?

How do I purchase Workstation 14 Pro upgrades?

VMware Workstation 14 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.

What if I have an older version of VMware Workstation, am I eligible to buy an upgrade?

What if I have an older version of VMware Workstation, am I eligible to buy an upgrade?

Customers with older VMware Workstation versions (1.x through 10.x) will need to purchase a new license.

When does complimentary support start?

When does complimentary support start?

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.

How long does complimentary support last?

How long does complimentary support last?

Complimentary support for VMware Workstation Pro is valid for 30 days from product registration.

Technical Information

Join the Community

Choose Your OS

Run the apps that keep you most productive, wherever you want to use them. If Windows isn’t your main operating system, check out VMware Fusion for Mac or Workstation Player for a simplified solution for running a second and isolated OS on a single PC.

VMware Fusion

The easiest way to run Windows on a Mac.

Workstation Player

Run a second and isolated operating system on a single PC.