VMware Workstation Player, formerly VMware Player, is a virtual machine application designed for 64-bit architecture computers running Windows or Linux operating systems. With VMware Workstation, you can create a virtual machine and use it to install multiple operating systems on a single host.
In this guide, we will discuss the process of installing the Ubuntu operating system on Windows 11 using VMware Workstation Player. This allows you to run Ubuntu in a virtual environment without the need to dual-boot or alter your current Windows setup. We will cover downloading VMware Workstation Player, configuring the virtual machine, and installing Ubuntu step by step to ensure a smooth process.
How to Download Ubuntu ISO File
Go to Ubuntu.com, select Download, and then download Ubuntu for Desktop. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the most recent version at the time of writing. Now, click Download to download the Ubuntu ISO file.
Here are the recommended system requirements to install Ubuntu to your system:
- 2 GHz dual-core processor
- 4 GB system memory
- 25 GB of free hard drive space
- Either a DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
- Internet access is helpful
How to Install VMware Workstation Player on Windows 11
Once you have the Ubuntu ISO file, download and install VMware Workstation Player. Here is a step-by-step guide on downloading and installing VMware Workstation Player on a Windows computer.
1. Open the browser and visit vmware.com to download the latest version of VMware.
2. There are two download options available on the official website: one for Windows and one for Linux. To get the Windows version, go to the Windows section and click on the Downloads Now button.
3. After it gets downloaded, open the installer file to install the VMware Workstation Player on Windows 11.
4. On the setup window, read the agreement and click on the Next button to continue with the installation process.
5. Now, read the license agreement carefully and accept the terms in the license agreement by clicking on the – I accept the terms in the License Agreement.
6. After that, click on the Next button to continue.
7. In the next window, you will find an option to change the installation location. You can change it by clicking on the Change option if you wish to do so. Additionally, add VMware Workstation console tools to your system PATH and then click on Next.
8. Now select the options to create a desktop shortcut, the Start menu programs folder, and then click on the Next button.
9. Finally, click on Install and wait for the installation to complete. Once installed, you’re ready to use VMware Workstation Player to create a virtual machine and install any operating system onto it.
How to Create a Virtual Machine on VMware
Now, you need to create a virtual machine before installing Ubuntu on VMware Workstation Player. A virtual machine acts as an isolated environment that allows you to run multiple operating systems without affecting your main operating system. It functions like a separate computer within your existing setup, enabling you to install, test, and experiment with different operating systems and software configurations safely.
By creating this virtual machine, you can allocate resources such as CPU, memory, and storage space to the Ubuntu installation, ensuring that it runs smoothly alongside your Windows system.
Here are steps to create a virtual machine on VMware Workstation Player and prepare it for the Ubuntu installation:
1. Open the VMware Workstation Player.
2. Click the Create a New Virtual Machine option to install Ubuntu.
3. You’ll now see a wizard for creating a new virtual machine. Click Next after selecting I will install the operating system later.
4. After that, choose Linux as the guest operating system and the version as Ubuntu 64-bit from the drop-down menu. Then click on the Next button.
5. Now, name your virtual machine and select the location; where you want to create the virtual machine.
6. After that, you have to specify the disk capacity. The recommended size for Ubuntu is 20 GB. But, I suggest you allocate a double disk capacity than the recommended one and select the Split virtual disk into multiple files option.
7. Then click on Next to continue.
8. Your virtual machine is almost ready. The final step is to choose the Ubuntu ISO file. For that, click on the Customize Hardware button.
9. You can customize your virtual machine hardware configuration and more from the hardware window. To select the Ubuntu ISO file, click the New CD/DVD (SATA) option and select the ISO image file.
10. After that, click the Close and finally click on the Finish button.
That’s it; you have created the virtual machine with an Ubuntu ISO file. Now, it’s time to install the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on the VMware Workstation Player.
How to Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player
Once you have installed VMware created a virtual machine, and downloaded the Ubuntu ISO file, you can follow these steps to install Ubuntu.
1. Open the VMware Workstation Player and select the virtual machine name.
2. Now click on the Play Virtual Machine option. Or, click on the Power ON icon.
3. After that, you will get the GUN GRUB window. Here, select Try or Install Ubuntu and hit the Enter key. Sometimes when you install Ubuntu on VMware Player, it will suggest you download and install VMware Linux Tools. Just click on download and install.
4. After that, you’ll get an option to install Ubuntu. Click the Install Ubuntu button and select a Keyboard layout and language.
5. Now, select Normal Installation, and on the other options, choose, Download updates while installing Ubuntu and install third-party software for graphic and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats.
6. After that, click on the Continue button.
7. After that, you have to select the installation type. Here, choose the Erase disk and install Ubuntu option.
8. You will find a warning, don’t worry; it will not erase any data from your computer because we are installing Ubuntu on our VMware virtual machine.
9. Now, click the Install Now and Continue buttons.
Note
You need to enable Virtualization Settings on your BIOS; if you are facing any issues while installing Ubuntu on VMware. You can follow our guide on how to enable virtualization on Windows 11.
10. Select your time zone and create your username and password.
11. After that, click on the Continue button.
12. After that, the installation process will start. It will take approximately 30 minutes to install the Ubuntu operating system on VMware Workstation Player.
13. Click on the Restart Now button after the installation is complete. Now, on the reboot window, hit the Enter key.
Conclusion
After that, you can use the Ubuntu operating system on your VMware. That’s it. This is how you can install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player.
If you want to install Ubuntu as the primary operating system on your machine, you can use the dual-boot option. Otherwise, you can only have Ubuntu. To do this, you need to create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive. If you are facing a screen size problem on VMware, check out our guide to fix the Ubuntu screen size issue in VMware.
