- Ability to run multiple guest operating systems in isolation and securely without compromising the host system.
- Compatibility with a wide range of software, from Windows and Linux distributions to TPM 2.0 chip emulation.
- Performance optimization through the installation of VMware Tools and the management of CPU security mitigations.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you're curious to try a Linux distribution or you need a Windows program that won't run on your Mac, but you're terrified of accidentally wiping everything . Don't worry, it's perfectly normal, especially if you're not a computer expert. To avoid these scares, virtual machines are a lifesaver, as they allow us to test and manage operating systems without dual-booting by setting up an entire computer inside another, completely risk-free.
In this respect, VMware positions itself as one of the most robust and professional tools on the market. Essentially, it creates an environment where the guest operating system runs completely separate from the host system . So, if you download a virus into the virtual machine, the damage stays contained there, and your main PC remains unaffected, providing absolute peace of mind for experimenting with software.
VMware versions: Which one should you choose based on your equipment?
To avoid confusion, the first thing to know is that VMware isn't a single program, but a family of products. If you use Windows or Linux, you'll primarily use VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Workstation Player . The Pro version is the flagship of the catalog: it has tabs, allows you to clone virtual machines, create snapshots to revert to a previous state if something goes wrong, and connect to vSphere servers. However, it does come at a fairly high price.
On the other hand, if you don't want to spend a penny and only need the basics for personal use, VMware Workstation Player is your best option. It's free for home users, although it has some limitations: you can't use snapshots or run more than one virtual machine at a time. If you prefer the Apple ecosystem, then you need VMware Fusion , the version specifically designed to make Windows run smoothly on macOS with full 3D acceleration.
Requirements and preparation of the environment
Before you dive in, take a look at your hardware. While VMware is efficient, virtualization is resource-intensive. For a smooth experience, especially with Windows 10, at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended , as the guest operating system will need a significant amount (around 4 GB) to avoid lag. As for the processor, you'll need one manufactured after 2011 with virtualization instructions enabled.
If you're installing VMware Fusion on a Mac, make sure your macOS version is compatible (for example, Catalina or Big Sur for Fusion 12). Don't forget to download the ISO image of the operating system you want to install beforehand from the official Microsoft website or your chosen Linux distribution. I recommend saving these ISOs and the virtual machine files to a separate disk partition to keep your main drive organized.
Step by step: Creating and installing the virtual machine
The process is quite intuitive. Once you open the program, you use the setup wizard. You have two options: Easy Install , where VMware does almost all the heavy lifting by automatically configuring the username and password, or manual installation , which is the one we recommend if you want full control over disk partitioning and firmware (choosing between Legacy BIOS or UEFI).
During setup, define the virtual hardware. You can adjust the number of processor cores and the amount of RAM. A common error on Macs is encountering system extension locks; in that case, you'll need to go to System Preferences, under Security & Privacy, and explicitly grant VMware permission to load its modules into the kernel.
When you start the machine for the first time, you'll see the standard operating system installation screen. If you're installing Windows, choose the custom installation option to manage the unallocated space. One trick to optimize disk space is to delete the small service partitions that Windows creates by default and extend the main partition to utilize every gigabyte of the virtual disk.
Optimization and advanced tools
If you notice the virtual machine is running a bit slow, it might be due to the mitigations against the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. If you trust your PC's security, you can go to the VM's properties, enter the advanced options tab, and disable the security mitigations to gain some extra CPU speed.
A mandatory step is installing VMware Tools . Without this driver package, screen resolution will be poor and the mouse will feel sluggish. Installing them enables key features such as drag and drop between the host and guest, time synchronization, and Unity mode on Mac, which allows you to see Windows windows mixed with macOS windows.
For those looking to install Windows 11, VMware offers a significant advantage: it can simulate a TPM 2.0 chip . Simply encrypt the virtual machine with a password in the options menu and then add the Trusted Platform Module device from the hardware. This will allow Windows 11 to install without compatibility issues.
Additional tips and alternatives
What if you want to boot from a USB drive instead of an ISO? By default, VMware doesn't handle this very well, but you can use a tool called Plop Boot Manager . Load the Plop ISO, boot the virtual machine, and then select the USB option. Remember to go to the removable devices menu and connect the host's USB drive to the virtual machine so the system recognizes it.
If for some reason VMware doesn't appeal to you, there are some interesting alternatives. VirtualBox is the king of open source and is completely free, ideal for home users. On the other hand, if you have Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Hyper-V is already integrated , although it's a bit more technical and can conflict with VMware if the Microsoft hypervisor isn't configured correctly.
Having the ability to virtualize allows us to manage our computer's infrastructure flexibly, whether by installing VMware Tools to improve performance, simulating hardware like TPM 2.0 for modern systems, or using the Player version to save costs. Ultimately, it's about creating a secure environment where virtualized hardware allows us to test any software or operating system without compromising the stability of our physical machine.
