Our verdict: VMware Workstation Pro is a mature, fast desktop hypervisor, and since November 2024 it costs nothing for home and commercial use alike. Snapshots, clones, virtual networking and 3D graphics are all included. The painful part is getting it: you must register a Broadcom account and pass a compliance check before the download unlocks.
About VMware Workstation Pro
VMware Workstation Pro runs several x86 operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, as virtual machines on one Windows or Linux PC. It was a paid product for years; Broadcom, which owns VMware, made it free for commercial, educational and personal use on November 11, 2024, with the same features as the former paid version and no license key.
Version 26H1 made the Windows app fully 64-bit and added more guest and host systems. The free version comes with community forums, documentation and knowledge base articles, but no support tickets. The installer is downloaded from the Broadcom Support Portal after you register a free Basic account and fill in a trade compliance form, which Broadcom may take time to approve.
What it does well
- Snapshots and clones. Save a VM's state, roll back to it, and make full or linked clones.
- Virtual networking. Bridged, NAT and host-only networks, plus a virtual network editor.
- 3D graphics. Accelerated DirectX and OpenGL in guests for smoother desktops.
- Encrypted VMs and vTPM. Encrypts virtual machines and adds a virtual TPM for Windows 11 guests.
- Remote ESX hosts. Connects to vSphere and ESX servers to manage and run remote virtual machines.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers, testers and IT staff who run several operating systems or lab networks on one PC.
Look elsewhere
People who want a quick download without registering an account, or an open-source hypervisor.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free for personal and commercial use
- All former paid features included
- Fast, mature virtual machine engine
- Snapshots, clones and advanced networking
Cons
- Download requires a Broadcom account and compliance approval
- No support tickets for free users
- Closed source
How to install VMware Workstation Pro
Register a Basic account at support.broadcom.com, complete the trade compliance form, then go to My Downloads, Free Software Downloads, VMware Workstation Pro and pick the latest release. During setup you can turn off the Customer Experience Improvement Program. No license key is needed.
Questions about VMware Workstation Pro
Is VMware Workstation Pro free?
Yes. Since November 11, 2024, it is free for personal, educational and commercial use, with no license key.
Why can't I download VMware Workstation Pro directly?
Broadcom distributes it only through its Support Portal. You need a free Basic account, and your profile must pass an export compliance check.
What happened to VMware Workstation Player?
Broadcom discontinued Workstation Player after Workstation Pro became free, since Pro now offers everything for no charge.
