VMware ESXi and vSphere Cluster Management
Install a Guest Operating System Manually in VMware Workstation Player
Learn how to install a guest operating system manually in VMware Workstation Player using an ISO, physical disc, or PXE network boot.
Overview
A manual guest operating system installation is needed when a virtual machine (VM) already exists but no operating system was installed through the VM creation workflow. Instead of using an automated option such as Easy Install, you attach installation media to the VM and run the operating system's normal installer.
The broad process is similar to installing an operating system on physical hardware. The difference is that VMware Workstation Player presents virtual hardware, such as a virtual processor, memory, storage device, network adapter, and CD/DVD device. The installer runs inside the VM and writes the guest operating system to the VM's virtual disk.
Important terms
- Host operating system: The operating system running on the physical computer where VMware Workstation Player is installed.
- VMware Workstation Player: Desktop virtualization software used to create, configure, and run VMs.
- Virtual machine: A software-defined computer with configurable virtual hardware.
- Guest operating system: The operating system installed and running inside the VM.
- ISO image: A file containing the contents of an optical installation disc. It is commonly used as virtual installation media.
In this process, the host stores the ISO file, VMware Workstation Player connects that file to the VM's virtual CD/DVD device, and the guest installer starts from the virtual optical media.
Choose an installation method
You can install a guest operating system from physical optical media, an ISO image file, or a network boot service. ISO installation is usually the simplest guided method because it does not require a physical disc or a PXE infrastructure.
| Method | Installation source | When to use it | Key VM configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical installer disc | A bootable disc in the host computer's optical drive | Use when you have legitimate physical installation media. | Configure the virtual CD/DVD device to use the host's physical drive and connect it to the VM. |
| ISO image file | An ISO stored on the host computer | Use for most modern operating system installations and lab work. | Set the CD/DVD device to use the ISO image file and enable connection at power on. |
| PXE/network installation | Installation resources provided by a PXE server over the network | Use when a network deployment service is already configured. | Configure the VM network connection and boot the VM from the network. |
Physical installer disc
Insert a bootable operating system installer disc into the host computer's optical drive. In the VM's CD/DVD settings, select the option that uses the physical drive, connect the device, and start the VM. The VM accesses the disc through its virtual CD/DVD device.
ISO image file
An ISO acts like a virtual optical disc. The file remains on the host, but VMware Workstation Player makes its contents available to the VM's virtual CD/DVD device. This is the primary method used in the procedure below.
PXE or network boot
PXE, or Preboot Execution Environment, allows a computer to start installation software from a PXE server over a network. A PXE installation requires a configured PXE server, network-accessible installation resources, and suitable VM network settings. Start the VM using network boot so it can contact the PXE infrastructure.
Prepare the installer ISO
- Obtain an installer ISO from a legitimate source for the operating system you intend to install.
- Confirm that the ISO is appropriate for the selected guest operating system and, where relevant, the VM's target architecture.
- Wait for the download to finish. An incomplete ISO may fail to boot or may produce installation errors.
- Note the ISO's complete local file path on the host computer. You will select this path in the CD/DVD settings.
Configure the virtual CD/DVD drive
Use the following procedure for an already-created VM. The exact wording can vary slightly between VMware Workstation Player versions.
- Open VMware Workstation Player on the host operating system.
- Select the target VM in the virtual machine library.
- Open Player > Manage > Virtual Machine Settings.
- On the Hardware tab, select the CD/DVD device.
- Enable Connect at power on. This setting automatically attaches the selected optical media when the VM starts.
- Select Use ISO image file.
- Browse to the ISO's local path on the host and select the file.
- Confirm the settings and close the virtual machine settings window.
| Setting | Required value or action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CD/DVD device | Select the VM's virtual optical drive in the Hardware tab. | Controls how the VM receives optical installation media. |
| Use ISO image file | Select this option instead of the physical drive option. | Connects an ISO stored on the host to the virtual optical drive. |
| Selected ISO path | Browse to the intended, complete ISO file. | Identifies the installer media that the VM will read. |
| Connect at power on | Enable the option. | Ensures the CD/DVD device is attached when the VM starts. |
| VM power state | Power on the VM after configuration; power it off before changing hardware settings when required. | Allows the VM to start from the configured installation media. |
Boot the VM from the ISO
- Power on the VM after the ISO is attached.
- Allow the VM to check its boot devices. When the CD/DVD device is connected and the media is bootable, the VM should start from the ISO.
- Wait for the installer or live boot environment to appear.
The ISO provides the guest operating system's installer or, for some images, a live environment from which installation can be launched. The VM's boot order is the sequence in which it checks devices for bootable media. If the virtual hard disk is checked first, the VM may start an existing operating system instead of the installer.
Example: Install a Linux guest from an ISO
Damn Small Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution that can illustrate the ISO-based process. The same workflow applies to other Linux distributions and to many other operating systems.
- Download a Damn Small Linux installer ISO from a legitimate source and note its location on the host.
- Select the target VM in VMware Workstation Player.
- Open Player > Manage > Virtual Machine Settings.
- Choose Hardware > CD/DVD.
- Enable Connect at power on.
- Select Use ISO image file and browse to the Damn Small Linux ISO.
- Apply the settings and power on the VM.
- When the Linux installer or live environment starts, follow its on-screen installation instructions.
The expected result is a VM that starts from the Linux ISO and presents the guest operating system installation environment. The names of installer screens and available choices depend on the selected operating system.
Complete the installation inside the guest
After the installer starts, continue inside the guest operating system. VMware Workstation Player has provided the virtual hardware and installation media; the guest OS installer controls the remaining choices.
- Installer screens: Language, keyboard, time zone, network, and other options depend on the operating system.
- Disk partitioning: Select the VM's virtual disk and choose a partitioning method appropriate for the guest OS. Be careful if the VM contains an existing installation.
- Accounts: Create the requested user and administrator credentials according to the guest OS instructions.
- Configuration: Complete any required services, updates, bootloader, and regional settings.
Disk operations performed by the guest installer normally affect only the VM's virtual disk. They do not directly repartition the host's physical disk. However, take care when configuring host-shared folders, physical disks, or other explicitly shared resources, because those resources can expose host data to the VM.
Disconnect the ISO after installation
When installation finishes, the VM may restart. If the ISO remains attached and the VM checks the CD/DVD device before the virtual hard disk, it may return to the installer instead of starting the newly installed system.
- Power off or shut down the VM if the guest OS is running.
- Open Player > Manage > Virtual Machine Settings.
- Select Hardware > CD/DVD.
- Disconnect the device, clear Connect at power on, or change the device so it no longer uses the installer ISO.
- Start or restart the VM.
- Verify that the guest operating system starts from its virtual hard disk.
Troubleshooting
The VM shows an empty screen, firmware screen, or existing disk instead of the installer
Possible causes include no ISO being selected, a disconnected CD/DVD device, disabled Connect at power on, a non-bootable ISO, or a boot order that prioritizes another device.
- Shut down or power off the VM as appropriate.
- Reopen the CD/DVD hardware settings.
- Verify that the intended bootable ISO is selected.
- Enable Connect at power on and confirm the device is connected.
- Start the VM again. If necessary, use the VM's boot options or firmware settings to select the virtual CD/DVD device.
The selected ISO cannot be found or opened
The ISO may have been moved, renamed, deleted, or incompletely downloaded. Locate the current file on the host, verify that it is complete, and select its current path again in the CD/DVD settings.
The installer starts but the guest OS does not run correctly
The image may be incompatible with the VM configuration, or the VM may have insufficient memory, storage, processor capacity, or another required resource. Review the guest OS requirements, adjust VM hardware while the VM is powered off, and repeat or repair the installation if it did not complete successfully.
The VM returns to the installer after installation
The ISO is probably still attached and remains a preferred boot device. Disconnect the ISO or change the CD/DVD configuration, then restart the VM so it boots from the virtual hard disk.
Final checklist
- The intended guest OS ISO is complete, appropriate, and stored at a known host path.
- The target VM is selected in VMware Workstation Player.
- The CD/DVD device is configured to use the ISO image file.
- Connect at power on is enabled before starting the installation.
- The VM starts from the ISO and displays the guest OS installer or live environment.
- The guest OS installation completes on the VM's virtual disk.
- The ISO is disconnected after installation.
- The VM restarts successfully from its virtual hard disk.
For a related reference, see manual guest operating system installation.