How to Install VMware Workstation in Windows 7 ?

The VMware Workstation is a felicitous,virtualized software that can be used for running the multiple operating system simultaneously without a dual booting. One of the benefit of using the VMware Workstation is that, if you want to install any other OS than there is no need of disc partition.

It is best suited for the purpose of developing, deploying and testing of a software. The VMware Workstation acts like a one stop destination for the numerous purposes and it is available for both the Windows and the Linux operating system.

Now you might be confused, whether to install a VMware Player or VMware Workstation? See the major difference between the two is that, VMware Player is just used to install a virtual machine in your PC, on the other hand,  VMware Workstation is a complete package for development, deployment and testing as a whole.

Some of the advantages of VMware Workstation are as follows:

• From the PC to the Cloud: This feature will let you access the virtual machines, no mater how much they are. You can easily migrate your workloads from your PC  to the cloud directly using the vSphere.
• Can easily share your Virtual machines: This vibrant feature is built-in keeping in mind, the working of an organization. This let you share your virtual machine with your colleagues and can act as a server.

It’s the priority which matters a lot, you can choose any one of the above described softwares. But if you want to have the advanced features like Multiple snapshots operation and clones then you must go for VMware Workstation.

Let me tell you what multiple snapshots means? The Multiple snapshots are used to capture the various state of your virtual machine. Suppose if you are going to perform some modification in your machine and somehow did some mistake, then you can recover it with the use of retained state of the machine.

How to download VMware Workstation?

VMware Workstation can be downloaded from its official website i.e http://www.vmware.com. In order to have an experience of VMware Workstation before actually purchasing it, the free trial version can be downloaded. You need to register and then you can simply download it from the official website. The License key will be generated which must be entered while installing it.

System Requirements:

• Minimum 512 MB memory is required but 2GB is recommended for the guest operating system by VMware
• IDE and SCSI hard drives
• jgf At least 1GB disk space is required

Steps to Install VMware Workstation in Windows 7

Step 1: You can download the VMware Workstation from the official website as stated above. On the home page you”ll see “My VMware” on the top menu, from where you can get all the information about Downloading, Subscription service and end-user agreement as shown below.

Step 2: Click on “Download” section and then select the “Workstation”,  available for both the Windows and Linux.

I have Downloaded VMware Workstation v11.0

Step 3: Locate the workstation where it is stored, right click on it and click on “Run as administrator” or just double click the folder. Now a window will appear click “Run” button to continue.

Step 4: The Installation Wizard will appear, click on “Next” button to start the installation.

Step 5: The License Agreement appears, just go through it properly, and check on”I accept the terms in the license agreement” and then click on “Next” button.

Step 6: This is the most crucial step, wherein you have to choose the“Setup Type”. Its clearly up to you which type of setup you need to configure in your system.

I have chosen “Typical”. Just to remind you what they are: The Typical setup means your system will automatically install all the integrated features and options of the Vmware Workstation which is fine for the normal user. On the other hand, in the Custom setup you can choose what to install and where to install.

Step 7: Now you have to decide where to store the VMware Workstation, but by default, the path will be chosen by the wizard. If you want to change, then you can do this by clicking on the “Browse” button.

Once you are done with it click on “Next” button.

Step 8: In this step, you have to decide whether you want your system to check for the updates of Vmware, if so, then check mark on “check for update”.

It is recommended by VMware to allow for the updates, so as to to keep working with the latest version and the enhanced tools. Then click on “Next” to proceed further.

Step 9: In the dialog box, you see the option to create shortcuts. Choose whatever you want and press “Next” button again.

Step 10: Once you have completed these steps, the installation is about to begin. If you need to edit the previous settings you can click on “Back” button or start the installation by clicking on “Next”.

Step 11: Before you begin with the installation, you are asked to enter the “License Key”. It is not compulsory to do at this time only, you can enter it later. But in future, to begin with VMware you have to provide the key, so why not now.

Then click on “Enter” if  you entered the key, otherwise click on “skip”button.

Step 12: Click on “Finish” , once the setup wizard gets completed.

Step 13: The Installation is complete, now restart your computer so that you can start with VMware Workstation. The shortcut for it is available on my “Desktop” window, as I have selected this option, if you haven’t, then check the destination where you have stored it. That’s it guys, now enjoy the experience of VMware.