How to Download VMware Workstation Pro on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)

Why this guide?

If you're trying to download VMware Workstation Pro for the first time, the process can feel a bit confusing. I initially found it confusing too, so I decided to document the exact steps. This is also the first article of my DevOps Home Lab Setup with VMware Workstation Pro series

What is VMware Workstation?

VMware Workstation Pro is a desktop virtualization application that lets you run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical PC. In other words, you can run different Operating Systems (like Ubuntu or Windows 10) on top of your current OS (for example, Windows 11). Each VM has its own:

• Virtual CPU

• Virtual Memory

• Virtual Storage

• Virtual Network Adapters

Image source: 2: OS Layer Virtualization [18] | Download Scientific Diagram

Think of it like having multiple computers inside one machine. You can test, break, experiment, and learn inside this VM, and you don't have to worry about affecting your real system. No dual boot. No extra hardware. No reboot required.

Since late 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is license-free for personal use. You can read about it here

Why I chose VMware Workstation instead of VirtualBox?

I actually like the UI of VirtualBox more. However, my decision was mainly performance-based.

Earlier, my system had only an HDD (even the boot drive). On the same hardware, VMware Workstation performed better for me compared to VirtualBox. Now my OS runs on SSD, but I still store my VM files on HDD, and I'm satisfied with the performance I get from VMware.

Another feature I really like is Virtual Network Editor. It allows me to create multiple isolated virtual networks. I can create multiple VMs, attach multiple network adapters, and practice routing between networks.

If you're using VirtualBox or any other Type-2 hypervisor, I'd suggest trying VMware Workstation, especially since it's license-free now.

Download steps

1. Go to https://www.vmware.com

   

2. Click on Products then scroll and click on See Desktop Hypervisors

   

3. Click on Download Now and it should redirect you to the Broadcom login

   

4. Since we don't have an account, we need to register first

   • Click LOGIN on the top right

   • Click on the greyed out REGISTER button

     

5. Enter your email ID and answer the captcha

   

6. Enter the 6-digit OTP you received in your mail and click Verify & Continue

   

7. Fill in the required details on the final page to complete the registration process

   

8. Click on LOGIN on the top right, and log in with your newly created account

   

9. After successful login, you will be taken to your dashboard. You may choose to close the navigation tutorial

   

10. Next

    • Click My Downloads on the left side

    • Click HERE in front of "Free Software Downloads Available HERE"

      

11. Search for VMware Workstation and click VMware Workstation Pro

    

12. Expand VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 for Windows and click 25H2 under releases

    

13. To accept the terms and conditions:

    • Click on Terms and Conditions (blue text)

    • It will open in a new tab

    • Close that tab

    • The check box will now become active

    • Tick it and click the download icon next to the MD5 checksum

    • On hover, it will show "Screening Required"

1. Click Yes

1. Fill in your address and submit

1. Click the download button again. This time, on hovering, it will say HTTPS Download

1. This should start the download

If this helped you, follow the series — next, we’ll install VMware on Windows 11

Click here for the next part : How To Install VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 On Windows

Series Roadmap

1. Download VMware Workstation Pro ✅

2. Installation Guide ✅

3. Creating Your First VM (Ubuntu Server 22.04)

4. Installing Rocky Linux on VMware

5. Setting up Internal Networks

6. Configuring Static IP on Ubuntu and Rocky

7. Building a Gateway VM for Multi-VM Lab Architecture

8. Multi-VM DevOps Lab Architecture