How to Install VMware Tools on Windows 8.1

In this article, we will examine step by step how to configure VMware Tools on Win 8.1 virtual machine running on VMware virtualization software.

How to Install VMware Tools on Windows 8.1

How to Setup VMware Tools on Windows 8.1 Virtual Machine

After installing VMware Tools, you can transfer files between virtual machine and host computer with copy and paste method. You can also use the virtual machine in full-screen mode and get more functional mouse mobility.

In our previous articles, we have installed VMware Tools on other Windows systems. You can find the following links in our articles;

If you have not previously installed the Windows 8.1 on the VMware VM, click here to browse our related article.

How to Install Virtual Machine Tools on Windows 8/8.1

After you install Windows 8.1, you must install VM software. If you want to use Windows 8.1 virtual machine more performance, it is necessary to install the additional tools.

Follow the steps below to setup VMware Tools on Win8.1 step by step.

   Step 1

After the clean installation of Windows 8.1 on VMware, you will see that the VM is not in full screen. This is because the virtual machine additional software are not installed.

Virtual Machine Full Screen Problem

   Step 2

You can change the display resolution of your machine with View / Fit Guest Now. However, when you review the image below, you will see that Fit Guest Now is disabled. Once you have installed VMware Tools, you will be able to see this option actively.

View / Fit Guest Now

   Step 3

To install VMware Tools on Windows 8 or 8.1, click VM / Install VMware Tools.

VM / Install VMware Tools

   Step 4

After the image file is mounted on the system, click Run setup64.exe.

Run setup64.exe

   Step 5

Click Yes to continue the installation in the User Account Control window.

User Account Control

   Step 6

Preparing VM software for installation.

Preparing VMware Tools for Installation

   Step 7

Click Next in the setup wizard.

VMware Tools Setup

   Step 8

Select Complete in the Choose Setup Type window and click Next to continue the installation.

Selecting a Installation Type

   Step 9

Click Install to start installing virtual machine software.

Starting Setup

   Step 10

Wait while setting up virtual machine software.

Installing Video Driver

   Step 11

After completing the VMware virtual machine software setup, click Finish.

Virtual Machine Tools Installation Complete

   Step 12

Restart your virtual computer for the changes to take effect.

Restarting Virtual Machine

   Step 13

After restarting the VM, click View / Fit Guest Now to change the screen resolution.

View / Fit Guest Now

   Step 14

You can now use the Windows 8.1 VM in full resolution!

Virtual Machine Full Screen Problem Fixed

   Step 15

You can also share files with the drag-and-drop feature between your host computer and your VM.

File Transfer Between Host and Guest

How to Setup Win8.1 VM Tools ⇒ Video

You can watch the video below to setup VM Tools in a Microsoft Win VM, and you can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us!

Windows 8.1 VM Tools Installation Video

   Final Word


In this article, we have examined step by step how to install VMware Tools for a VM installed on VMware Workstation 15/14/12. Thanks for following us!

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One Comment
  1. Jack 6 March 2019

    Thank you very much

    Reply
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