How to Install VMware Tools on macOS

In this article, we will examine how to set up VMware Tools (Darwin.iso) in the macOS Monterey operating system installed on a virtual machine using VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, or vSphere ESXi virtualization software.

How to Install VMware Tools on macOS 12 Monterey Guest Operating System

You need to install VMware Tools in order to get more efficiency from the virtual machines you have installed on VMware Workstation, Fusion, or ESXi, to use the virtual machine in full-screen mode, and to be able to transfer files between the VM and the physical computer with drag and drop.

In order to install drivers in the macOS guest operating system running on VMware virtualization software, you can install them with the existing ISO file in the software by clicking “Install VMware Tools” from the software tool menu. However, it is recommended that you install the drivers for your guest system using the darwin.iso file downloaded with VMware Unlocker, which you used when installing a macOS version with VMware Workstation.

When you update the virtualization program installed on your host computer, the integrated VMware Tools ISO file is also updated automatically. That’s why you can see the “Update VMware Tools” option instead of the “Install VMware Tools” option in the tool menu. If you want to update the drivers of your virtual machine without updating the virtualization software you are using, it is recommended that you install VMware tools manually.

You need the Darwin.iso file to manually install or update the drivers for your macOS guest system. This file is integrated within the Fusion software to install drivers for Mac OS X systems. You need this file even if you have a macOS virtual machine on Windows or Linux.

After installing VM Tools on the macOS virtual machine, you can enable the Full-Screen feature, increase the performance of the mouse cursor, and transfer files faster by configuring the Shared Folders feature between your host computer and guest machine.

In addition, you can increase the VRAM value of the graphics memory of your guest machine from 3 MB to 128 MB and adapt the screen resolution to the resolution of your host.

How to Install VMware Tools

After installing macOS with VMware Workstation, you can find the darwin.iso file in the Unlocker program’s folder. If you want to download the latest version of this file to your computer, click the button below.

Download

Step 1

Before installing VM Tools on your macOS guest machine, you can see that the graphics memory of the virtual machine is 3 MB, and the screen resolution is 1024×768.

Step 2

Usually, you need to click VM / Install VMware Tools to install the ISO file inside the VMware Workstation Pro software. However, do not click this option to install the macOS guest system drivers with a more recent ISO file because you will be adding the downloaded ISO file to your computer.

Step 3

Click VM / Removable Devices / CD/DVD (SATA) / Settings from the tool menu to add the Darwin.iso file to your macOS VM.

Step 4

Check the Use ISO Image File option in the Connection tab of the CD/DVD device, then click Browse to show the location of the ISO file.

Step 5

Select the Darwin.iso file you downloaded to your computer and click Open.

Step 6

After the VMware Tools ISO file is mounted on your macOS system, double-click the Install VMware Tools option when the installation window opens automatically.

Step 7

When the Installer window opens, click Continue.

Step 8

Click Install to continue without changing the installation location of VM Tools.

Step 9

When the installer tries to install new software, it prompts you to enter your MacOS user account password, type your password, and then click the Install Software button.

Step 10

When you type your password and continue installing the software, this time click OK to let the Installer manage your system’s settings of the system, network, and passwords.

Step 11

When a program system extension signed by VMware Inc. is updated, click the Open Security Preferences button to complete and confirm the update process.

Step 12

In Security & Privacy settings, first, click on macOS lock to allow system software to be installed by the VMware Inc. developer, then type your password and click Unlock.

Step 13

After unlocking macOS, click Allow to confirm the VMware system software, and then click Not Now to choose to restart your system later in the pop-up window.

Step 14

After installing VMware Tools on macOS running in the virtual machine on Windows, restart your system.

Step 15

After restarting your MacOS guest system, click About This Mac on the Finder. When you check the system properties, you can see that the graphics memory is now 128 MB. The screen resolution adapts to the display setting of your host computer.

Step 16

Besides configuring the graphics memory and screen resolution of your virtual computer, you can transfer files between the host and your VM by drag and drop.

If you cannot copy a file from your host to your macOS virtual machine at this stage, open Security & Privacy, enable the “vmware-tools-daemon” service in Accessibility settings, and restart your system.

Step 17

If you want to use your macOS virtual system in full-screen mode, click “Enter full-screen mode” in the Workstation tool menu.

Step 18

If you want to hide the Toolbar in full-screen mode, click View / “Exclusive Mode.” If you’re going to open the Toolbar again, you can press CTRL + Alt keys together.

Step 19

After enabling Exclusive Mode, you can check that the Toolbar is not visible and your virtual machine is in full screen mode.

How to Uninstall VMware Tools

When the Fusion software is updated by VMware shortly after installing the drivers for your guest system, the Darwin.iso file will also be updated. Therefore, you will need to update the drivers of your macOS system that you use in your Workstation software with the newer Darwin ISO file.

In this case, you can add the updated ISO file to your virtual machine and update VM Tools manually. However, we recommend that you uninstall VMware Tools from macOS before starting the installation.

Step 1

If you are not using a Mac computer, press the Windows + Space keys together from your host keyboard on your macOS VM and open Spotlight Search.

After opening Spotlight Search, type “/library/application support” in the search bar and open the Application Support folder under Folders.

Step 2

Open the VMware Tools folder in the Application Support folder.

Step 3

Click Uninstall VMware Tools, then click Uninstall to confirm removing it from your virtual machine.

Step 4

After you successfully uninstall VMware Tools from your Mac virtual computer, click OK.

Step 5

Click the Apple Logo / Restart to restart your macOS VM, and then click the Restart button again.

Step 6

After restarting your macOS Monterey virtual computer, you can check that the graphics memory is set from 128 MB to 3 MB and the screen resolution does not fit on the entire screen.

After you uninstall VM Tools without any problems, you can start reinstalling your VM’s drivers using the latest Darwin ISO file.

Installing Old Versions

Conclusion

As a result, you can easily install VMware Tools (Darwin.iso) on your macOS Monterey virtual machine. Additionally, you can improve performance and enable full-screen mode. With it, you can facilitate file transfers between the virtual machine and the physical computer.

These improvements optimize the user experience. Additionally, it facilitates the integration of your virtual environment with the host system. As a result, you can benefit from enhanced flexibility and functionality. This way, you can use the full potential of your macOS virtual machine.