How Do You Install VMware on Linux Ubuntu Step by Step?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

Virtualization has become an essential tool for developers, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike, enabling multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical machine. Among the various virtualization platforms available, VMware stands out for its robust performance, user-friendly interface, and versatile features. If you’re using Linux Ubuntu and want to harness the power of VMware, understanding how to install and configure it properly is the first crucial step.

Installing VMware on Ubuntu opens up a world of possibilities—from testing different operating systems and software environments to creating isolated sandboxes for development and troubleshooting. While the process might seem daunting at first, especially for those new to Linux or virtualization, it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the right steps and prerequisites. This guide will walk you through the essentials, ensuring you’re well-prepared to set up VMware and start exploring its capabilities on your Ubuntu system.

Before diving into the installation, it’s helpful to grasp the basics of what VMware offers and why it’s a popular choice among Ubuntu users. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the installation process and be ready to leverage VMware to enhance your computing experience. Whether you’re aiming to run multiple OSes, test software, or simply expand your technical skill set, this sets the stage for

Preparing Your Ubuntu System for VMware Installation

Before installing VMware on Ubuntu, it is essential to prepare your system to ensure a smooth installation process. This preparation involves updating your system, installing necessary dependencies, and setting up the environment for VMware to function correctly.

Start by updating the package lists and upgrading existing packages to their latest versions. This ensures compatibility and security:

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
“`

Next, install the essential build tools and Linux kernel headers, which VMware requires to compile its kernel modules:

“`bash
sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) -y
“`

The `build-essential` package includes the GCC compiler and other tools needed for compiling software. The `linux-headers-$(uname -r)` package matches your current kernel version, providing the necessary source files for building kernel modules VMware uses.

Additionally, verify that Secure Boot is disabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Secure Boot can interfere with the loading of VMware kernel modules, causing the installation to fail or VMware to malfunction.

To check the status of Secure Boot, run:

“`bash
mokutil –sb-state
“`

If Secure Boot is enabled, you must disable it by accessing your system’s BIOS/UEFI setup during boot.

Downloading the VMware Workstation Installer

VMware Workstation comes as a standalone installer file which you need to download from VMware’s official website. The file is typically a `.bundle` script that facilitates installation on Linux systems.

Follow these steps to download the installer:

  • Navigate to the official VMware Workstation Pro Linux download page:

https://www.vmware.com/go/downloadworkstation-linux

  • Choose the latest version available for Linux.
  • Download the `.bundle` installer file to a convenient location, such as your `Downloads` folder.

Alternatively, you can use the terminal and `wget` command to download the installer directly:

“`bash
cd ~/Downloads
wget https://www.vmware.com/go/getworkstation-linux
“`

Make sure to verify the checksum of the downloaded file to ensure integrity and authenticity. VMware usually provides SHA256 or MD5 checksums on their download page.

Installing VMware Workstation on Ubuntu

Once the installer is downloaded and your system is prepared, proceed with the installation steps.

First, make the `.bundle` installer executable:

“`bash
chmod +x ~/Downloads/VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle
“`

Then, run the installer with administrative privileges:

“`bash
sudo ~/Downloads/VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle
“`

The installer will launch a graphical installation wizard or run in a text-based interface if a GUI is not available. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Typical options include accepting the license agreement, choosing installation paths, and optionally enabling VMware to check for product updates.

If you prefer a fully terminal-based installation, append the `–console` flag to the command:

“`bash
sudo ~/Downloads/VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle –console
“`

During installation, VMware will attempt to compile and load kernel modules. If it fails, the installer will notify you with error messages. This usually happens if kernel headers are missing or incompatible.

Common Post-Installation Configuration Tasks

After installation, some additional configuration may be required to ensure VMware operates optimally.

  • Start VMware Workstation: You can launch it from the application menu or by running `vmware` in the terminal.
  • Accept License: The first run typically requires you to enter a license key or use the trial version.
  • Configure Network Settings: VMware creates virtual network interfaces for bridged, NAT, and host-only networking. Verify these are functioning properly.
  • Enable VMware Services: Ensure that services like `vmware-networks.service` and `vmware-usbarbitrator.service` are active:

“`bash
sudo systemctl enable –now vmware-networks.service
sudo systemctl enable –now vmware-usbarbitrator.service
“`

  • Resolve Kernel Module Issues: If VMware modules fail to load after a kernel update, you may need to recompile them using:

“`bash
sudo vmware-modconfig –console –install-all
“`

Summary of Key Commands for Installation and Configuration

Purpose Command Description
Update system packages sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y Fetches latest package info and upgrades installed software
Install build tools and headers sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) -y Installs compilation tools and matching kernel headers
Make installer executable chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle Grants execution permission to the VMware installer
Run installer sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle Starts the VMware installation process
Enable VMware network services sudo systemctl enable --now vmware-networks.service Activates VMware network support services
Recompile VMware kernel modules sudo vmware-modconfig --console --install-all Rebuilds

Preparing Your Ubuntu System for VMware Installation

Before proceeding with the VMware installation on Ubuntu, it is essential to ensure your system is properly configured. This preparation guarantees a smooth installation process and optimal performance.

Start by updating your Ubuntu system to have the latest package lists and security patches. Open a terminal and execute the following commands:

  • sudo apt update – Refreshes the package index.
  • sudo apt upgrade -y – Installs the latest updates for installed packages.

Next, install the required dependencies that VMware needs to build its kernel modules and run correctly. These packages include build tools, header files for your current kernel, and other utilities:

Package Description
build-essential Compiler and build tools (gcc, g++, make, etc.)
linux-headers-$(uname -r) Kernel headers matching your current kernel version
gcc GNU Compiler Collection
make Utility to manage build processes
libqt5widgets5 Qt5 Widgets libraries for VMware GUI

Install these dependencies using the following command:

sudo apt install -y build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) gcc make libqt5widgets5

Ensure that Secure Boot is disabled in your system BIOS/UEFI settings, as VMware kernel modules may fail to load if Secure Boot is enabled. This step varies by manufacturer, so consult your motherboard or laptop documentation to disable it.

Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation on Ubuntu

VMware Workstation is a powerful virtualization software that can be installed on Ubuntu. The official VMware website provides the latest installer in a bundled `.bundle` file format.

Once downloaded, follow these steps to install VMware Workstation:

  1. Make the installer executable by running:
    chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle
  2. Run the installer with root privileges:
    sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-*.bundle

The graphical installer will launch, guiding you through the installation process. You may customize installation options or proceed with default settings.

Configuring VMware Workstation Post-Installation

After installation, VMware Workstation requires some configuration to ensure proper functionality, especially for kernel modules and networking:

  • Launch VMware Workstation from your application menu or by typing vmware in a terminal.
  • On first run, VMware will attempt to compile necessary kernel modules:
Module Purpose
vmmon Core virtualization module
vmnet Networking module for virtual interfaces

If compilation fails, confirm that the kernel headers and build tools are correctly installed, and retry the process. In some cases, patching the VMware modules may be necessary after kernel updates.

For network configuration, VMware creates virtual network adapters (vmnet0, vmnet1, vmnet8). To manage these, use the built-in Virtual Network Editor available under the VMware menu. You may need to run VMware as root to access advanced network settings:

sudo vmware

Adjust NAT, bridged, and host-only network configurations according to your requirements.

Installing VMware Tools in a Virtual Machine

To improve performance and integration between the host Ubuntu system and guest virtual machines, installing VMware Tools inside each guest OS is recommended. VMware Tools provide:

  • Enhanced graphics and mouse support
  • Shared clipboard and drag-and-drop capabilities
  • Improved network performance

After creating and starting a virtual machine, mount the VMware Tools virtual CD image through the VM menu:

  • In the VMware Workstation window, go to VM > Install VMware Tools.
  • Inside the guest OS, mount the virtual CD-ROM drive if it does not mount automatically.
  • Extract and run the VMware Tools installer appropriate for the guest OS.

On Linux guests, this typically involves running a Perl script provided on the mounted CD:

tar -zxvf /media/cdrom/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz -C /tmp

cd /tmp/vmware-tools-dis


Expert Insights on Installing VMware on Linux Ubuntu


Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Systems Engineer, Open Source Virtualization Solutions). “When installing VMware on Linux Ubuntu, it is crucial to ensure that your kernel headers and build-essential packages are up to date before initiating the installation process. This preparation avoids common compilation errors during the VMware modules build. Additionally, using the latest VMware Workstation Pro version guarantees better compatibility with Ubuntu’s frequent kernel updates.”





Rajiv Patel (Linux Infrastructure Specialist, CloudTech Innovations). “For a smooth VMware installation on Ubuntu, I recommend disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS settings, as it can interfere with VMware kernel module signing. Furthermore, running the installation script with root privileges and verifying that virtualization support is enabled in the BIOS will significantly improve performance and stability of the virtual machines.”





Sophia Nguyen (DevOps Engineer, Virtualization and Automation Expert). “Automating the VMware installation on Ubuntu using shell scripts can save time and reduce human error, especially in enterprise environments. Incorporating checks for dependencies like gcc, make, and linux-headers, along with post-installation configuration for network bridging, ensures a robust and repeatable deployment process.”





Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What are the system requirements for installing VMware on Ubuntu?

VMware requires a 64-bit processor with VT-x or AMD-V virtualization support enabled in the BIOS, at least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB or more recommended), and sufficient disk space for the application and virtual machines.


How do I prepare my Ubuntu system before installing VMware?

Update your system packages using `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade`, install required build tools and kernel headers with `sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)`, and disable Secure Boot if enabled to avoid module signing issues.


Which VMware product is suitable for Ubuntu users?

VMware Workstation Player is a popular free option for personal use on Ubuntu, while VMware Workstation Pro offers advanced features for professional environments.


How can I install VMware Workstation Player on Ubuntu?

Download the latest `.bundle` installer from VMware’s official website, make it executable with `chmod +x`, then run it using `sudo ./filename.bundle` and follow the on-screen installation prompts.


How do I resolve common installation errors on Ubuntu?

Ensure all dependencies and kernel headers are installed, disable Secure Boot if necessary, check for conflicting virtualization software, and consult VMware logs located in `/var/log/vmware/` for detailed error information.


Can VMware run on the latest Ubuntu LTS versions?

Yes, VMware Workstation Player and Pro support recent Ubuntu LTS releases; however, verifying compatibility with the specific Ubuntu version and VMware release is recommended before installation.

Installing VMware on Linux Ubuntu involves a series of well-defined steps that ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance. The process begins with preparing the system by updating the package repositories and installing necessary dependencies. Following this, downloading the appropriate VMware Workstation or Player installer from the official VMware website is crucial. Executing the installer with proper permissions completes the installation, after which users can configure virtual machines tailored to their specific needs.


Key takeaways from the installation process emphasize the importance of system compatibility and ensuring that the Linux kernel headers match the running kernel version. Additionally, managing permissions and dependencies such as build-essential packages and gcc compilers is vital to avoid errors during installation. Post-installation, users should verify that VMware services are running correctly and consider installing VMware Tools within guest operating systems to enhance performance and integration.


Overall, installing VMware on Ubuntu is a straightforward procedure when following best practices and official guidelines. By adhering to these steps, users can leverage the powerful virtualization capabilities of VMware to run multiple operating systems efficiently on their Ubuntu machines. This setup is particularly beneficial for developers, testers, and IT professionals seeking a robust and flexible virtual environment.


Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo

Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.



Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.




	



				
					
		
	

	
	

	

		

	

				

			

									

						


	

		
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