An installer for another operating system gives you a way to try it without replacing the Ubuntu system on your computer. VMware Workstation Pro runs that system in a virtual machine hosted by Ubuntu.
I’ll explain how to install Workstation on Ubuntu and what to check if its host modules fail to start.
TL;DR: Install VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
Download the Linux bundle from Broadcom, install the matching build tools and kernel headers, run the installer with administrator privileges, and complete the first-launch setup as your regular user.
- Use an x86_64 Ubuntu host supported by the current Workstation release.
- Install GCC, build-essential, and headers for the running kernel.
- Allow the first launch to build vmmon and vmnet. Secure Boot may require module signing.
What Is VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu?
VMware Workstation Pro is a desktop hypervisor that runs virtual machines on a Linux host. The Ubuntu installation on the physical machine is the host, while each virtual machine is a guest with its own operating system.
The Linux download is a vendor bundle installer rather than an Ubuntu APT package. Workstation uses vmmon for virtual-machine monitoring and vmnet for virtual networking.
| Item | Role | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Host | Ubuntu installation that runs Workstation | Use a supported x86_64 system |
| Guest | Operating system inside a virtual machine | Provide its own installer image |
| Linux bundle | Vendor installer for the host application | Choose the x86_64 release for the host |
| VMware Tools | Guest integration components | Install separately inside the guest when appropriate |
How to Install VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu
Follow the steps in order: check architecture, download the current release, then prepare Ubuntu before installing.
Step 1: Confirm the host architecture
Workstation Pro for Linux ships as an x86_64 bundle, so check the host first. Run this in a terminal:
uname -mAn x86_64 result means the bundle can run on this host. Any other value, such as aarch64 on an Arm machine, means the x86_64 bundle is not supported there, and you should stop before downloading it. I ran this check on an Arm host, so it could not verify the install steps below; they follow Broadcom’s documented procedure for x86_64 Ubuntu.
Step 2: Download the Linux bundle
Get the current Linux bundle from Broadcom’s Support Portal. The download and license screens are part of the vendor flow.
| Portal step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sign in | Complete any requested profile or compliance form |
| Choose a release | Select VMware Workstation Pro for Linux and review its terms |
| License selection | Broadcom says the free version is available for personal, education, and business use without a license key |
Download the x86_64 bundle and note its exact filename, which includes the release and build. Older guides may describe a trial or a Player download, so follow the current Workstation Pro screen.
Step 3: Prepare Ubuntu build prerequisites
The host module build needs a compiler and headers that match the active kernel. If the kernel was recently upgraded, reboot into it before preparing the headers.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)
These commands change system packages, so review the package manager’s proposed changes before confirming. The second command uses uname to select headers for the currently running kernel, rather than a different kernel version.
Step 4: Apply the Workstation bundle
Start the bundle from the directory where it was downloaded and authorize the system-level installation. If you followed the previous step, run it from Downloads. Use the exact release filename from the portal.
cd ~/Downloads
sudo sh ./VMware-Workstation-Full-RELEASE-BUILD.x86_64.bundle
Follow the installer prompts and accept the required license terms. Workstation may request module compilation during installation or on first launch.
Step 5: Complete first launch and module setup
Broadcom’s Linux host documentation describes module compilation during installation or first launch. Follow the VMware prompts, then open the application as your regular Ubuntu user.
vmware
When the main window opens, create a virtual machine and select the installer image for its guest operating system. An ISO file is a bootable installer image, which Workstation can attach to the new VM as virtual media.
Set memory and processor capacity according to the guest operating system’s published requirements. Leave enough host resources for Ubuntu and your other applications.
Choose a drive with room for the virtual disk to grow. The exact settings depend on the guest and the capacity of the physical machine.
Step 6: Choose the guest network
Choose network mode based on how the guest should reach other machines. Broadcom documents three standard configurations, each with a different visibility boundary.
| Mode | Connection | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| NAT | Guest uses a private host network to reach external networks | The guest needs outbound access without appearing as a separate peer on the external network |
| Bridged | Guest connects through the host network adapter | Other devices on the network should reach the guest directly |
| Host-only | Guest network stays between the host and its VMs | You need an isolated lab connection |
The typical new-VM wizard selects the default NAT network. Choose bridged or host-only when the guest’s network role calls for it, and see Broadcom’s networking documentation for details.
Fix VMware Workstation Module and Secure Boot Errors
An installed Workstation application can still fail to start a VM when its host modules are missing, built for another kernel, or blocked by Secure Boot. Check the specific error before changing boot settings or downloading third-party module patches.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Installer reports missing gcc or make | Compiler tools are absent | Install Ubuntu’s build-essential package, then retry module setup |
| Kernel headers are missing | Headers are absent or the installed version differs from the active kernel | Compare uname -r with the installed linux-headers package |
| “Unable to install all modules” | Module compilation failed | Read the VMware module log and verify compiler and matching headers |
| “Could not open /dev/vmmon” | vmmon is not loaded. Secure Boot can reject unsigned modules | Check module build status and the Secure Boot state |
Broadcom documents that Secure Boot can prevent unsigned vmmon and vmnet modules from loading. Its supported signing route uses a Machine Owner Key, signs both modules, and enrolls the public key through the firmware’s MOK screen. Enrollment requires a reboot and deliberate confirmation at the physical console, so follow the current Broadcom instructions for your Ubuntu release rather than copying old commands blindly.
A kernel update can leave the modules out of step with the kernel now running. Install headers for that kernel and retry Workstation’s module configuration.
If compilation still fails, consult the VMware log named in the error and Broadcom’s current host-module guidance. Use a third-party patch only when its branch explicitly supports your Workstation version and kernel.
A download entitlement message points to account or release access. Confirm that you are signed in, have completed any required account profile or compliance step, and accepted the download terms.
Conclusion: Start a Virtual Machine on Ubuntu
Follow Broadcom’s bundle steps, then use the diagnostic table if a virtual machine fails to start.
- For guest integration, see our VMware Tools guide for Ubuntu guests.
- For a different Linux VM manager, see how to manage virtual machines with virt-manager.
- To compare Linux virtualization options, read our overview of virtualization and containers.
- For the package commands used above, see the apt command guide.
- To identify the exact downloaded bundle name, see how to list files with ls.
FAQ
These answers distinguish installing the host application from installing an operating system inside a virtual machine.
Can you run VMware Workstation Pro on Ubuntu?
Yes, VMware Workstation Pro has a Linux host bundle. Use a compatible x86_64 host and prepare the compiler and matching kernel headers so its vmmon and vmnet modules can be built.
Is VMware Workstation Pro free to use?
Broadcom’s licensing guidance says Workstation Pro is free for personal, educational, and commercial use, with no license key required for the free version. A Broadcom Support Portal account and acceptance of the download terms may still be needed to obtain the installer.
How do I install Ubuntu in VMware Workstation?
Installing Ubuntu in Workstation is a guest setup, separate from installing Workstation on an Ubuntu host. Install Workstation on the host first, then create a virtual machine and select an Ubuntu installer image. See the Ubuntu guest documentation and VMware Tools guidance for the guest setup.