How to Install VMware Workstation 17 Pro on Kali Linux 2024

This helpful guide will show you step-by-step instructions on how to install VMware Workstation 17 Pro on Kali Linux 2024. VMware Workstation is like a builder for your computer inside your actual host.

So, it’s a robust program that helps you make a virtual PC on your real one. With this program, you can use different PC systems, like Windows, Linux, and macOS, on your pretend one.

When you use a virtual machine on your Kali Linux PC, it doesn’t change anything on your main computer. Thus, it means you can safely try out any software or do tasks in a safe space.

Also, it is super handy for both people who create programs and those who manage PC systems. Because of that, they can try things out in this pretend space without worrying about messing up their real one.

Why Do We Use VMware Workstation in Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a strong and popular OS used for testing and ethical hacking. Thus, it’s perfect for people who work in security and those who love learning about it. This OS lets users do different tests and experiments to check how secure things are.

It also has a bunch of tools that people often use for security stuff. Both Kali Linux and VMware Workstation Pro/Player are common and solid choices.

VMware Workstation lets you use many virtual PCs at once on just one machine. It’s great for trying out things like checking for security problems on different systems. That’s why this virtual machine software is essential, especially for people using Kali.

VMware Workstation has a cool feature called snapshots. Thus, we can make our system safe and try out different types of attacks without messing up our main computer. Also, it makes it simple to copy and repeat different test situations. This way, we can quickly work together with our team.

Whether you’re good at computer security or just a regular user, Workstation is helpful. This unique software helps us keep an eye on how safe our systems are. It also gives us a safe and sound place to test things. So we can make sure our PC is ready to handle any security problems.

What Do I Need as a System Requirement for VMware Workstation?

If you use Kali Linux, your main computer (host) needs to have a vital feature called virtualization. Before you set up the Workstation virtual machine software, make sure your PC has at least these things:

1. Kali Linux Operating System

VMware Workstation works with Kali Linux 64-bit. But make sure your PC has the newest version of Kali installed.

2. Processor

Make sure your Kali computer has a dual-core 64-bit processor. Also, this software won’t work if your computer has a 32-bit CPU. Because of that, you can check your CPU type by using this command in the terminal:

$ uname -m

If the output of this command is “x86_64”, it means you have a 64-bit processor. If you don’t see it, i.e., “i386” or “i686”, you have a 32-bit CPU.

3. Memory

For RAM, you must have at least 2 GB of RAM. But our recommendation is at least 4 GB or more. In short, if you have less than 2 or 4 GB of RAM, you may experience performance issues.

4. Hard Disk Space

As for disk space, of course, you need more than the least of 1.5 GB. And remember, you’ll need even more space for each extra thing you add to your PC. Thus, we suggest using a special kind of disk called SSD or NVMe for the best results.

5. Graphics Card

To use the VMware virtual machine app on your PC, you need a graphics card that works with DirectX 10 or OpenGL 3.3. If your card doesn’t meet these requirements, you might have issues with the advanced visuals.

How to Set Up VMware Workstation / Player 17 (17.5) to Use a Virtual Machine on Kali Linux PC?

Kali Linux is a type of Linux made by a company called Defensive Offensive. But it’s actually based on Debian, which is another kind of Linux. People who are into keeping networks safe really like Kali because it comes with lots of free tools. That’s why it’s a top choice for folks working in cybersecurity.

Kali comes straight from Debian. VMware setup on Debian uses this same base. Picking Debian means you run the same build steps. Always set up your package repos right.

If you’re using Kali Linux, you can add VMware software to the free tools you already have. This way, you can make new virtual machines and run things like Windows on them.

Also, consider an extra machine with Windows to check for weaknesses or problems. This is a handy thing you can do with Workstation Pro on your Kali PC.

You may also need the reverse setup at times. You can choose to run Kali Linux in a VM on a Windows host. I find this flexible approach very handy for pentesting. Running security research without breaking your main OS offers huge value.

Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation 17 Pro is the newest virtualization program by VMware. You can try it out for free for 30 days after getting it from the official website. But we suggest buying it if you like it. If not, you can always go for the free Player version.

Step 1

To download VMware on your Kali PC, visit this official web page. After going to the page, click the DOWNLOAD NOW button under the Workstation 17 Pro for Linux heading. At this moment, a small window will appear. When you see a file with the bundle extension, save it on your PC.

More info: Instead of getting it from the website, you can download it right from the terminal. To do this, use the terminal’s wget command. Now, open the console by pressing CTRL + ALT + T at the same time and type in the command below.

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://github.com/201853910/VMwareWorkstation/releases/download/17.0/VMware-Workstation-Full-17.5.0-22583795.x86_64.bundle

Step 2

After getting the Workstation.bundle, start by updating the list of software on your OS. To do this on your Kali PC, type the “sudo apt update” command in the console.

sudo apt update

Once you’ve updated the list of packages, you have to install Linux kernels for VMware. So, type the “sudo apt install build-essential dkms” command” in there. After that, say Y when it asks if you want to install the necessary things.

sudo apt install build-essential dkms

Step 3

Now, let’s begin installing it in your setup file. First, use the “cd ~/Downloads” command to go to the Downloads spot. After that, check out what’s inside the folder with the “ls” command.

Use the “chmod +x FileName.bundle” command to change the permission of the bundle file. After that, run “sudo ./ FileName.bundle” to start the installation.

chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-17.5.0-22583795.x86_64.bundle
sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-17.5.0-22583795.x86_64.bundle

Post-Installation Configuration and Completion

Step 1

Once you’ve set up the bundle file, look for VMware Workstation in the start menu, locate it, and open it.

NOTE: At this stage, the wizard can open VMware Kernel Module Updater. It says to install the Linux-headers-6.5.0-kali3-amd64 package for Kernel Headers. So, use the command below in the terminal to download and install this deb package along with its dependencies.

wget https://http.kali.org/pool/main/l/linux/linux-headers-6.5.0-kali3-amd64_6.5.6-1kali1_amd64.deb | wget https://http.kali.org/pool/main/l/linux/linux-headers-6.5.0-kali3-common_6.5.6-1kali1_all.deb | wget https://http.kali.org/pool/main/l/linux/linux-kbuild-6.5.0-kali3_6.5.6-1kali1_amd64.deb | wget https://http.kali.org/pool/main/l/linux/linux-compiler-gcc-13-x86_6.5.6-1kali1_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Open VMware and start compiling as soon as you install the necessary Linux kernels. Then, restart your Kali PC so the services work correctly!

sudo reboot

Step 2

After you get the packages for Pro & Player, open it again. Now, you have to put together the Linux kernels in the VMware Kernel Module Updater tool. Just hit the Install button to get the compilation going. Then, type in your user account password and click Authenticate.

After you update the Linux kernels, you’ll see the Welcome to VMware Workstation. Here, agree to the rules of the Workstation program and click Next.

Step 3

Also, make sure to read and agree to the license terms for the “OVF Tools Component for Linux.”

Preferences, Licensing, and Completion Steps

Step 1

We suggest you pick “Yes” to let the software check for new versions whenever you use it. In this case, choose “Yes” in the “check for product updates at startup” window and move ahead.

Step 2

Opt to let VMware know about any errors you come across while using the Workstation program. This way, you can support the further development of the program. If you’ve decided, confirm that you want to be part of VMware’s CEIP.

Step 3

If you have purchased the VMware Workstation at this stage, type your product key in the license window. You can also try it for 30 days free and plan to buy it later.

If so, select the I want to try VMware Workstation 17 for 30 days option. Then, click Finish, type your password, and click Authenticate.

Step 4

Great news! You’ve now installed VMware Workstation on your Kali PC. If you want to know the version, go to the Help/About section.

How to Create a New Virtual Machine on Kali Linux

Up to this stage, you have installed VMware Workstation Pro on Kali Linux. Now it’s time to create a new virtual PC in Kali!

Step 1

Open VMware Workstation 17 Pro and check out the choices on the screen. From there, click on Create a New Virtual Machine.

Step 2

You’ll see the VM Config screen. To set up a fancy virtual computer on this screen, keep going and choose Custom (Advanced).

Step 3

Now, let us set up how well the virtual machine works with the latest VMware program. Just choose the option for the newest version and click Next.

Step 4

In this step, first, tweak the VM settings and then add the ISO file. So, choose the option that says, “I will install the operating system later.”

Step 5

You must select the platform and version of the operating system that you will install on the guest OS you have prepared. In this guide, we used Windows 10 x64 as an example. You can choose any system at this stage.

Step 6

Keep going by telling the system where to put the virtual guest system you’re installing.

Hardware Configuration and Disk Settings

Step 1

If you choose Windows 10 or 11, set the firmware type to UEFI and click Next.

Step 2

Decide on the correct number of virtual cores for your VM based on your computer’s CPU. If you have an Intel 12th or 13th-generation CPU, you can increase these values to make it work better.

Step 3

Now, configure the memory size of the Windows 10 or 11 guest machine. It would be best if you chose the values here according to the RAM capacity of your host computer. If you have a size of 32 GB, you can, of course, choose 8 GB or 16 GB.

But remember this: If you are going to run a single VM on your PC, set these values high. If you’re going to run it more than once, your PC’s power will need to be able to handle it.

Step 4

NAT is a standard network option in Workstation Pro. In this case, you give your VM a different IP within your current network setup. If you prefer using local DHCP or an address from your modem, go with Bridge.

Step 5

Choose the I/O controller type for your Windows 10 or 11 virtual machine. Thus, stick with the default option, which is “LSI Logic SAS.”

Creating a Virtual Disk and Completing the Wizard

Step 1

Choose NVMe as the virtual disk type for your Windows 10 VM to make it faster, then click Next.

Step 2

Since you’re putting in a fresh MS Windows OS, pick Create a New Virtual Disk. So, it’s like getting a new disk and installing the OS on it.

Step 3

Now, decide on a size considering the programs and work you’ll do on your virtual PC. So, set the virtual disk size to the way you want it. Lastly, choose backup as the only file type on your host.

Step 4

Keep going without changing the name and location of the virtual disk file you’re making.

Step 5

Check over Windows guest OS hardware settings, then click Finish to close the wizard.

Step 6

Then, close the window that tells you to install a guest OS and VMware Tools.

Hardware Fine-Tuning, ISO Mounting, and Operating System Installation

Step 1

Once your guest OS is ready, you can improve its hardware settings. To do this, click on Edit Virtual Machine Settings.

Step 2

On this screen, start by clicking on Processors. Then, look at the things on the right panel. There, tick all the options for VTx features.

Step 3

If your VM is OK, you have to tell it where the ISO is. Or, if you have a physical CD/DVD drive, you can use that to install it. At this point, add the ISO file to your DVD drive.

To speed up the installation, put the ISO file on your virtual OS. So, click on Browse after using the ISO Image option. Now, you have to select the Windows 10 or 11 ISO image file. So, when the window opens, go to your location, find it, and click OK.

Step 4

You can make fast file transfers by using flash memories in your VM. Thus, change the USB compatibility setting to USB 3.1.

Step 5

As soon as you make the settings, click “Startup this guest operating system.” And then, start installing your WinOS.

Step 6

Now, you can operate a Windows 10 or 11 on your Kali Linux PC using VMware Workstation. After this, remember to install VMware Tools for your VM’s drivers.

Deleting a Virtual Machine from Kali VMware Workstation Pro

It would help if you got rid of a guest system you installed. Thus, it’s easy to remove any VM you wish to from the VMware library.

Now, open VMware Workstation Pro & Player and look at Library on the left panel. Here, please right-click on the VM, select Manage, and then Delete from Disk to remove it.

Once you hit the right option, a window will pop up asking if you’re sure. In that window, click Yes to confirm and delete all the files from your disk.

See if your WinVM folder is there; go to where you saved the file. If it’s gone, you’ve successfully deleted your VM from your Kali PC.

How to Uninstall VMware Workstation from Kali Linux

You might not need the VMware software on your Kali PC anymore. Or switch to an app from a different company. If that’s the case, you can choose to remove it from your system entirely.

Before you remove it, make sure to back up all your guest machines. After that, you can quickly delete it.

Now, type “sudo vmware-installer –list-products” to check which VMware products are on your OS.

vmware-installer --list-products

If you see installed products related to VMware, note the one you will remove. Now, after you check the products, type “sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation” to uninstall it.

Once you’ve removed Workstation Pro, look for “VMware” using the search bar. As a result, check that you have uninstalled all things related to the app.

sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation

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Conclusion

As a result, thanks to VMware Workstation Pro, we can use various PC systems virtually. This helps us test multiple systems in a safe area. If you are interested in the cyber area, install this software on your Kali PC.

What’s more, with VMware Pro, you don’t have to worry about breaking your host computer. Since everything is in a virtual OS, it is easy to try things. For example, you can try different types of attacks. You can also check for security issues on other OSes.

I want to summarize everything: If you are using Kali Linux, install VMware Pro. However, check your computer’s system and hardware requirements. You can then install it by following this step-by-step guide I have prepared for you. Now, you can create new virtual machines on your PC. You can also run different operating systems that you haven’t tried.