How to Install VMware Workstation 17 on Linux Mint 21

Quick Insight

VMware Workstation 17 Pro installs cleanly on Linux Mint 21 as a powerful virtualization layer. First, download the bundle file from the official site and make it runnable with chmod. Then, add the needed build tools and launch the setup script. After the wizard, accept the license and reboot to lock it in. This turns your Mint host into a multi-OS lab without touching your bootloader. As a result, you test Windows or other Linux flavors side by side with zero risk.

Updated:
Author:
Category:VMware & Linux
Read Time:15 min

Welcome to the installation and use of VMware Workstation 17 Pro on Linux Mint 21 Vanessa. In this article, we will explain how to set up Workstation Pro and how to create a new virtual machine. We will also show how to run Windows or Linux systems without the need for dual booting.

That said, you may be new to virtualization. If you want to expand your knowledge, this guide will help you. In short, you will find all the information you need about virtualization software on Linux Mint here. Let’s dive in!

Installing VMware Workstation on a Linux Mint PC

How to Install VMware Workstation 17 Pro on Linux Mint 21 Vanessa?

VMware Workstation Pro is the most popular virtualization program for setting up and running virtual machines on your computer. You can use Workstation free for 30 days and then buy it.

You can easily install VMware Workstation software on Windows- and Linux-based systems. Next, you create new virtual machines. As a result, you can run systems such as Windows, Linux, Solaris, or macOS on your physical computer.

On Windows operating systems, the setup file usually has an .exe extension. On Linux systems, however, you see extensions such as .bundle. VMware releases the setup file for Linux distributions with the .bundle extension.

Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation

We suggest you install Workstation Pro. It is the paid pro build of VMware Workstation. Also, use it on your Linux Mint PC. You can buy it after the 30-day trial if you want. Alternatively, you can keep using VMware Workstation Player for free.

Step 1

To download VMware Workstation, visit the official website at this link. Then go to the ‘Workstation 17 Pro for Linux’ section, as shown in the image below. Finally, click the Download button.

You can use the terminal instead of manually downloading the Workstation software. Running the commands below makes this process faster.

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://download3.vmware.com/software/WKST-1700-LX/VMware-Workstation-Full-17.0.0-20800274.x86_64.bundle

Downloading VMware Workstation for Linux

Step 2

You have installed VMware Workstation 17 Pro & Player. Now we must install the dependent packages needed for this virtualization software. Run the ‘sudo apt install build-essential dkms’ command in the terminal.

sudo apt install build-essential dkms

Installing Required Packages

Step 3

Download the VMware.bundle file to your computer. Then open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T. Before setup, run the ‘sudo apt update’ and ‘sudo apt upgrade’ commands to update the system.

After you update your Linux Mint system, go to the location of the .bundle file. To do so, run the ‘cd ~/Downloads/’ command. Then view the contents of the Downloads directory with the ‘ls’ command.

To give the .bundle file execute permission, first run the chmod command. Then run the ‘sudo ./filename.bundle’ command to start the setup.

Linux Mint has package management tools similar to Ubuntu’s. On a different computer, you can apply the steps to set up VMware Workstation on Ubuntu.

chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-17.0.0-20800274.x86_64.bundle
sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-17.0.0-20800274.x86_64.bundle

Installing the VMware Bundle File

Step 4

After you install the extra packages for VMware, run the program from the Applications menu.

Running the VMware Workstation Program

Step 5

When the Welcome window opens, accept the VMware license agreement and click Next.

Accepting the Workstation License Agreement

License Settings and Completing the Setup

Step 1

Also accept the ‘VMware OVF Tool Component for Linux’ license agreement, and click Next.

Accepting the OVF Tool License Agreement

Step 2

Enable checking for new versions each time you run Workstation, and click Next.

Checking for Product Updates at Startup

Step 3

You can support bug fixes by joining the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). You also help build a better user experience. If you do not want to join CEIP, select No.

Joining the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program

Step 4

If you bought Workstation, you can enter your license key on this screen. Want to try the program for 30 days? So, pick the option below, then click Finish.

When the Authenticate window opens, type your Linux Mint user account password and continue.

Activating the Trial Period

Step 5

After you install Workstation 17 Pro, you can check its version in the Help > About section.

Checking the VMware Version

Creating a New Virtual Machine on Linux Mint

After you install VMware Workstation on Linux Mint, you can start creating a new virtual machine. You can install Windows or another operating system on the VM you create. As a result, you can run a second OS with ease. It works on your host system.

You can try the reverse scenario if you use Linux Mint on your main machine. For a safe test environment, I recommend the steps to install Linux Mint on a virtual machine.

Step 1

On the main screen of Workstation Pro, click the Create a New Virtual Machine option. This opens the wizard.

Opening the Virtual Machine Wizard

Step 2

In the guest machine wizard, select Custom (Advanced) for advanced settings. Then click Next.

Creating a Virtual Machine with Advanced Settings

Step 3

Workstation sets the hardware version of the VM to the latest version by default. If you plan to install an older Windows system, change the hardware compatibility.

Since Windows 10 is a current operating system, set the hardware version to the newest version.

Setting Virtual Machine Hardware Compatibility

Step 4

Because you plan to install Windows 10, continue with advanced settings. Select the ‘I will install the operating system later’ option. Finally, click Next.

I Will Install the Operating System Later

Step 5

Select Microsoft Windows for the guest operating system that will run on the virtual OS. Select ‘Windows 10 x64’ as the version.

Selecting the Guest Operating System

Step 6

You can choose to install Windows 10 in the default location or in another location. You can change the default location where the virtual PC will be installed from Edit > Preferences.

Configuring the VM Name and Location

Configuring Hardware and Disk Settings

Step 1

Set the firmware type of the Windows 10 VM to UEFI/Secure Boot.

Selecting the UEFI Firmware Type

Step 2

Set the processor and core count based on the processor features of your host computer. By default, VMware sets these processor settings to the lowest values. So, you need these values to run the VM.

Increasing the Virtual Processor Core Count

Step 3

Set the virtual memory size for your Windows 10 VM based on your host RAM. Pick a good value.

Configuring the Virtual Memory Size

Step 4

Select the NAT adapter type for the network connection of the guest machine.

Selecting the NAT Network Adapter

Step 5

Select LSI Logic SAS, the recommended I/O controller type.

Selecting the LSI Logic SAS Controller Type

Step 6

Select NVMe, which is faster than other disk types, as the virtual disk type.

Selecting the NVMe Disk Type

Step 7

You will install a clean Windows OS. So, select the option to create a new virtual disk.

Creating a New Virtual Disk on Linux Mint

Step 8

Set the virtual disk size based on your needs. Select the option to store the disk file as a single file on your computer.

Selecting Single File Storage for the Virtual Disk and Configuring Disk Size

Completing the Virtual PC Settings

Step 1

Continue without changing the name and location of the Windows 10 virtual disk file.

Configuring the Disk File Location

Step 2

After you set up the guest operating system, review the summary window. Check the settings you selected and click Finish.

Closing the Hardware Summary Window

Step 3

After you prepare the VM, close the window. It tells you to download and install the VMware Tools and guest OS.

NOTE: You need extra drivers for your VM to run well. Do not take this part lightly. For file sharing, be sure to apply the steps to install Linux Mint guest tools.

VMware Tools Installation Info Window

Step 4

To set up the virtual machine in more detail, click Edit VM Settings.

Editing the Settings of the Windows 10 Guest Machine

Step 5

After selecting processor settings in the Hardware area, select all options under Virtualization Engine.

  • Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI
  • Virtualize CPU Performance Counters
  • Virtualize IOMMU (IO Memory Management Unit)

Enabling Virtualization Engine Features

Step 6

To add a Windows 10 ISO file to the guest machine, select the CD/DVD hardware. Then enable the Use ISO Image option. Click the Browse button to specify the file location.

Go to the folder where you saved the setup media. So, select the Windows 10 ISO file and open it.

Adding a Windows 10 ISO File to the Virtual Machine

Starting the Setup and Final Settings

Step 1

To use USB 3.x devices on the Windows 10 virtual PC, open the USB Controller settings. Set the Compatibility setting to USB 3.1.

USB 3.1 Controller Type

Step 2

Run the VM to start installing Windows 10.

Starting the Guest Operating System

Step 3

On your Linux computer, you can now install the Windows 10 operating system in your VMware virtualization software.

Setup Wizard for Microsoft Windows 10

Deleting the Virtual Machine

You may want to fully delete the virtual machines you installed from your computer. So, you can easily delete all files associated with the VM from the Workstation library and your host disk.

You can see your installed VMs in the Library section of VMware Workstation. Right-click your guest system in the Library section. Then click Manage > Delete from Disk. Click Yes in the confirmation dialog to confirm deletion.

Finally, go to the location where you installed the VM on your Linux system. Check whether the corresponding folder exists.

Fully Deleting the Windows 10 VM from Disk

Uninstalling VMware Workstation from a Linux Mint PC

If you plan to uninstall Workstation from your computer, use the terminal. You can do this easily on your Linux system.

After you open the terminal, run the ‘vmware-installer –list-products’ command. This command shows which VMware products are installed.

vmware-installer --list-products

To fully uninstall Workstation, run the ‘sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation’ command in the terminal. If you do not want to delete the configuration files, type No at the prompt.

You must pay attention to leftover files when you remove packages from the terminal. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting the configuration directories. To keep the system clean, you can use the method to fully uninstall VMware software from Linux.

sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation

Uninstalling VMware Workstation

Video

Video Thumbnail
Watch on YouTube

Installing Older Versions

Installing Older Versions of VMware on Linux Mint
Mint / VM VersionYouTube VideoSlides
18 / 14 ProWatchView
19 / 15 ProWatchView
20 / 16 ProWatchView
21 / 16 ProWatchView
21 / 17 Pro (NEW)Watch–

FAQ About Linux Mint & VMware Workstation

Which packages should I install before I install Workstation 17 on Linux Mint 21?

Before you start the setup, paste this command into the terminal: `sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)`. This trio is vital for VMware to compile the kernel modules. `build-essential` brings the compiler tools. `dkms`, in turn, ensures that the modules rebuild on their own when the kernel updates.
The `linux-headers` package must match your running kernel exactly. If it does not match, VMware cannot create the vmmon and vmnet modules. During setup, also pay attention to the GCC version.
VMware 17.0.0–17.0.2 releases work with GCC 10.3 and below; if you use a newer GCC, the build may fail without a clear error. Therefore, check with `gcc –version` before you install the packages.

How do I fix it if the vmmon and vmnet modules do not compile during setup?

A build error usually comes from a mismatch between the kernel version and the VMware module source. As a first step, run the `sudo vmware-modconfig –console –install-all` command in the terminal. This command tries to rebuild the missing modules.
If the error continues, use the patched module repository that the community maintains. Download the repository with the git clone https://github.com/mkubecek/vmware-host-modules command. So, switch to the correct Workstation version. Also, follow the make and sudo make install steps.
After you build the modules, load them manually with the `sudo modprobe -a vmmon vmnet vmci` command. If Secure Boot is enabled, unsigned modules will not load; in this case, apply the signing steps. Read the build output error messages carefully. Often a missing header file or a wrong GCC version is the cause.

Which setting should I change if VMware Workstation does not start when Secure Boot is enabled in Mint?

Secure Boot blocks unsigned kernel modules from loading. Because the VMware vmmon and vmnet modules are unsigned, the system rejects them. The fastest fix is to turn off Secure Boot in the BIOS. Experienced users on Linux Mint forums also recommend this path.
If you want to keep Secure Boot on, you must sign the modules yourself. Also, make a key pair with openssl. So, add the public key to the system. Use mokutil –import for this.
On the blue MOKManager screen that appears at reboot, select the `Enroll MOK` option. Then sign the vmmon and vmnet modules with the `sign-file` tool. This method takes some effort, but Secure Boot remains enabled.

How do I fix screen resolution and icon size in the virtual machine?

The root of this problem is usually a missing or outdated VMware Tools. Run the `sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop` command inside the VM. This package provides desktop integration such as screen resize and clipboard sharing. After setup, restart the virtual OS.
If Open VM Tools is on but the resolution is still wrong, check VMware settings. Open the Display section in the virtual machine settings. Also, check the Accelerate 3D graphics option.
You can also set the resolution manually from the `Settings > Display` menu in the Mint guest system. Sometimes the guest OS’s automatic detection fails. In this case, choosing the resolution from the list is enough.

Why does the virtual machine crash when I enable 3D acceleration, and how do I fix it?

3D acceleration creates a conflict, mainly on Intel Meteor Lake GPUs and some NVIDIA drivers. GPU memory handling on the Linux host can conflict with VMware sync code. As a result, the VM crashes or the display glitches. The error message often appears in the `vmware.log` file.
To fix this quickly, shut down the VM, open the `.vmx` file with a text editor, and add the line `mks.vk.gpuHeapSizeMB = ‘0’`. Save it and restart the guest machine.
If the problem continues, disable the `Accelerate 3D graphics` option completely. You lose visual performance, but at least the virtual machine runs stably. If you use NVIDIA, also check your driver version. Known conflicts exist between driver versions 535 and newer and Workstation 17.5 in particular.

How do I install drivers in the VM?

On Linux guest systems, VMware now recommends the open-source `open-vm-tools` package, not its own closed-source tools. Open the terminal inside the virtual machine and run the `sudo apt update` command.
Then run the `sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop` command for the desktop interface. If you use a server (no GUI) system, the `open-vm-tools` package is enough.
After setup ends, restart the virtual system. The screen resolution will adjust on its own, and clipboard sharing and folder drag-and-drop will work.
You do not need to download the `.tar.gz` package manually and run `vmware-install.pl`. Modern Linux distributions no longer recommend this method. You can check whether setup succeeded with the `vmware-toolbox-cmd -v` command.

Which settings should I use for better performance in Workstation 17?

For performance, the first rule is to allocate resources properly. Do not give the VM more than half of your host cores. Keep the RAM under 60% of host memory. Create the virtual disk as NVMe; this significantly reduces disk lag.
In the operating system settings, check all hardware virtualization options under `Virtualization Engine`. Turn off needless background services on the main system. Keep the VM files on an SSD or NVMe.
Enable 3D acceleration only if you truly need it. If it causes instability, it is better to keep it off. Finally, keep VMware Tools up to date; old tools lower performance without warning.

Is Linux Mint 21.3 compatible with Workstation 17?

Yes, Linux Mint 21.3 (Virginia) works with VMware Workstation 17. However, some version combinations may have compatibility issues. For example, Workstation 17.5.2 causes multi-monitor issues with 5.15.0-116, the default kernel of Mint 21.3. You can usually get past such problems with VMware updates or by pinning the kernel version.
Community experience shows that many people run Mint with Workstation 17 stably. Loading the kernel headers correctly before setup and reviewing the Secure Boot setting lower compatibility risk. If you see instability, updating Workstation to the latest stable release is the safest step.

Which log files should I check if Workstation will not open?

The first place to look is the `vmware.log` file in the virtual machine’s own directory. This file logs errors that occur during VM startup, module load problems, and crash causes. In the terminal, you can quickly filter the latest errors with the `tail -n 100 vmware.log | grep -E ‘(FATAL|ERROR|Panic|failed)’` command.
For problems at the main system level, look in the `/var/log/vmware/` directory. This directory contains the logs for VMware services and the main app. To see module load errors, also run the `dmesg | grep -i vm` command. In uncertain cases, the `journalctl -xe` output can show related errors across the system.

What should I pay attention to when I fully remove Workstation 17?

Before you start uninstalling, shut down all running virtual machines. Run the `sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation` command in the terminal. Be careful when it asks whether you want to delete the configuration files. If you say `No`, your license data and preferences are preserved; if you say `Yes`, everything is deleted.
After uninstalling, leftover files may remain in the `~/.vmware` and `/etc/vmware` directories. You can clean them manually. Also, run vmware-installer –list-products to check for other VMware products.
Your VM files (`~/vm` or the directory you chose) are not affected by the uninstall; however, if you want to free disk space, you must delete these folders as well.

Conclusion

In short, VMware Workstation 17 Pro is a strong, friendly virtualization platform. It runs well on Linux Mint 21 Vanessa.

Also, you can set up virtual machines with ease. Just follow the steps in this guide. That said, you can run more than one operating system without dual booting. In addition, our guide helps you.

Our guide works whether you are new to virtualization or want to grow your knowledge. To sum up, explore the power of VMware Workstation. What’s more, enjoy the ease of using more than one operating system on one computer.

They'll Thank You for Discovering This Guide!

Ready to do your loved ones a huge favor with just one click? Knowledge grows as it is shared.

Tolga Bagci

PRO

Computer Expert System Networking Virtualization

Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!

1236 Articles

1 Reader Comment

  1. Hello,
    I installed the 15 Pro (licensed) on Linux Mint 19.1 and Mint is fully patched and running on the most current kernel as of today (4.15.0-52). The first VM I built is a Windows 10 OS and I am having a problem in that USB pass through is not working. USB 3.0 support is enabled and I have the box checked for “automatically connect USB devices” and also “show all USB input devices”. When I use the ‘add’ in hardware, neither my USB headset or USB hard drive show up as choices to present to the Windows 10 vm.
    I found some older articles on earlier versions that said VMware wont be able to show any USB device to a VM until the host OS lets go of it first. The article said to force Linux to let go of it in a file (forgot the name) in the /etc folder but Mint does not have such a file in this newer Linux build.

    Any ideas what is keeping VMware from seeing USB devices so it can present them to a VM?

Share Your Opinion