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Install VMware Workstation Player on Windows
Learn how to install VMware Workstation Player on Windows, choose setup options, restart Windows, and verify that the application opens correctly.
What VMware Workstation Player Does
VMware Workstation Player is a Windows desktop virtualization application. It lets you create, open, and run virtual machines on a physical Windows computer.
A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs inside the physical computer. Windows is the host operating system, while an operating system installed inside a virtual machine is the guest operating system.
Prepare Before Installation
Before starting, make sure you have the correct VMware Workstation Player installer for Windows. The installer is an executable setup file, usually ending in .exe.
Use File Explorer to check common download locations such as Downloads or %UserProfile%\Downloads. Select the VMware Workstation Player Windows installer rather than an installer for another operating system or an incomplete download.
Save your work and close open applications. Installation can add program files and drivers, and Windows may need to restart when setup finishes.
An administrator account, or approval from an administrator, may be required. Also check that:
- Your Windows version is supported by the version of VMware Workstation Player you downloaded.
- The selected drive has enough free disk space for the application.
- You can approve Windows security prompts if they appear.
- The installer is stored in a local folder, such as Downloads, rather than on a removable or unreliable drive.
Pre-installation Checklist
| Requirement | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Windows installer downloaded | The setup program must match Windows and must be complete. | Check the file name, .exe extension, and download location. |
| Administrator permission available | Setup may need to install system files and drivers. | Use an authorized administrator account or contact the device administrator. |
| Enough disk space available | The application needs room for its program files. | Check free space on the drive selected for installation. |
| Open work saved | A restart may be required after setup. | Save documents and close applications before running the installer. |
| Windows version supported | Unsupported Windows versions can cause setup or runtime problems. | Compare your Windows version with the requirements for the downloaded release. |
Launch the VMware Installer
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the downloaded installer.
- Double-click the VMware Workstation Player setup executable.
- If Windows displays a security warning or a User Account Control prompt, review it and approve it only if the installer is the expected file. Enter authorized administrator credentials if requested.
- Wait for the VMware Workstation Player Setup Wizard to open.
User Account Control is a Windows security feature that asks for permission before an application makes system-level changes. A prompt is normal during software installation.
Complete the Setup Wizard
The setup wizard is a guided sequence of screens that collects installation choices and copies the application files.
- Read the welcome screen and select the control to continue.
- Review the license agreement. Accept it if you agree to the terms, then continue.
- At the installation-location step, review the proposed installation directory. This is the folder where VMware Workstation Player program files will be stored.
- Keep the default installation directory for a normal installation. Choose another local drive or folder only when the default drive lacks space or an organizational requirement specifies a different location.
- At the optional component or keyboard-driver step, decide whether to install the Enhanced Keyboard Driver.
- Continue through the remaining screens using the default options unless you have a specific reason to change them.
- Start the installation and wait while setup copies files and registers components. Do not close the wizard during this process.
- When setup reports that installation is complete, follow its instruction to restart Windows.
Enhanced Keyboard Driver
The Enhanced Keyboard Driver is an optional VMware component that improves keyboard handling between the host and virtual machines. It is particularly useful for international keyboard layouts and keyboards with additional or specialized keys.
Enable it during setup if you need improved keyboard capture, use an international layout, or have a nonstandard keyboard. For a typical standard keyboard, leaving the remaining setup choices at their defaults is generally appropriate. The driver choice does not install a guest operating system.
VMware Workstation Player Installation Choices
| Setup option | Recommended choice | When to change it | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation location | Keep the default local application directory. | Change it when the default drive lacks space or an organization requires another local path. | Determines where the application program files are installed. |
| Enhanced Keyboard Driver | Enable it when improved support is needed for international or specialized keyboards. | Leave it unselected when you use a typical keyboard and do not need enhanced support. | Improves keyboard handling and key support for the host and virtual machines. |
| Restart after installation | Restart Windows when setup finishes. | Delay only long enough to save work and close applications. | Allows installation changes and drivers to finish loading. |
Restart Windows After Setup
A Windows restart is required after installation. Restarting means rebooting Windows so newly installed drivers and system changes can finish loading.
- Save documents and any other work.
- Close open applications, including File Explorer windows that are no longer needed.
- Choose the restart option shown by the installer, or restart Windows through the Start menu.
- Wait for Windows to finish restarting before trying to use VMware Workstation Player.
Verify the Installation
- Open the Windows Start menu.
- Search for VMware Workstation Player and select it. If setup created a desktop shortcut, you can open that instead.
- Confirm that the main VMware Workstation Player window opens without an error message.
A successful launch confirms that the basic application installation is available. The next task is typically to create a new virtual machine or open an existing one. Installing a guest operating system and configuring virtual machine CPU, memory, storage, and networking are separate steps.
Troubleshooting Installation Problems
The installer does not start
- Confirm that the file finished downloading and is the Windows
.exeinstaller. - Move or copy the installer to a local folder such as Downloads, then try opening it again.
- Respond to any Windows security prompt.
- Ask an authorized administrator to run the installer if your account lacks permission.
A permission or User Account Control prompt appears
The installer may need system-level permission to add program files and drivers. Approve the prompt with authorized administrator credentials. If the computer is managed and you cannot approve it, contact the device administrator.
The Enhanced Keyboard Driver choice is unclear
Choose the driver when you use an international keyboard layout or a keyboard with extra keys and need improved keyboard support. For a standard keyboard, the default setup choices are generally suitable.
There is not enough space on the selected drive
Free disk space or return to the installation-location screen and choose another suitable local drive. Avoid temporary or removable locations for application installation.
Installation completes but the application does not work as expected
- Restart Windows if you have not already done so.
- Launch VMware Workstation Player from the Start menu and check whether the main window opens.
- If the problem continues, run the installer again with appropriate administrator permission and confirm that setup completes successfully.