Add a Virtual Parallel Port in VMware Player
Learn how to add and configure a virtual parallel (LPT) port in VMware Player for physical host-port passthrough or host-file output.
A virtual parallel port lets a virtual machine expose a parallel, or LPT, interface to its guest operating system. The guest can send data through this device to a physical parallel port on the host or to a file stored on the host.
This is useful for legacy printing software, specialized hardware communication, and testing applications that write parallel-port output. A VMware Player virtual machine supports up to three virtual parallel ports, and each port can be configured independently.
How a Virtual Parallel Port Works
VMware Player is desktop virtualization software that runs virtual machines. A virtual machine is a software-defined computer containing a guest operating system. The guest sees a virtual parallel port as an LPT device, even though the data destination is configured by VMware Player.
A parallel port is a legacy hardware interface commonly used by printers and specialized equipment. LPT is the operating-system naming convention commonly associated with parallel ports, such as LPT1. A virtual parallel port is bidirectional, meaning it can transfer data in both directions between the guest and its configured destination, subject to the capabilities of the host hardware and guest software.
- Send legacy application output to a physical host parallel port.
- Communicate with equipment that requires an LPT interface.
- Capture parallel-port output in a host file for inspection and testing.
Prerequisites
- Fully shut down the target virtual machine. A running or suspended virtual machine is not treated as powered off for this hardware change.
- Have access to the VMware Player library and the virtual machine's settings.
- For physical-port passthrough, confirm that the host has an available, supported, and recognized physical parallel port.
- Know whether the guest application expects a particular LPT device, such as LPT1.
If the machine is suspended, resume it if necessary and shut it down normally. Do not begin the hardware-add workflow while the machine is running or suspended.
Virtual Parallel Port Output Options
| Configuration option | Destination | Best use case | Requirements | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical host parallel port | An actual parallel-port interface on the host | Legacy printing or communication with physical LPT equipment | An available, supported host port and suitable host permissions | Port availability, drivers, permissions, and device ownership can affect attachment |
| Host output file | A file in a host folder | Capturing and inspecting guest output without LPT hardware | A writable host folder and a suitable file path | Verify the exact path and inspect the file after the guest sends data |
Open Virtual Machine Hardware Settings
- Open VMware Player and select the intended virtual machine in the library.
- Make sure the machine is fully powered off.
- Open the Player management menu, choose Manage, and select Virtual Machine Settings.
- Open the Hardware tab. This area lists the virtual machine's devices.
- Select Add to begin the add-hardware workflow.
The exact menu appearance can vary between VMware Player releases, but the workflow remains the same: select the machine, open its settings, choose Hardware, and then choose Add.
Add the Parallel Port Device
- In the available virtual hardware list, select Parallel Port.
- Proceed through the device configuration wizard.
- Choose whether the virtual port sends output to a physical host parallel port or to a host file.
- Complete the wizard and save the virtual machine settings.
The destination you choose determines where data written by the guest's LPT port is delivered. Adding the device alone does not guarantee that a guest application will use it; the guest operating system and application may also require device recognition or configuration.
Configure Output to a Physical Host Parallel Port
- In the parallel-port configuration screen, select the option that directs the virtual port to a physical parallel port on the host.
- If VMware Player lists multiple host ports, select the specific port required by the attached equipment.
- Use Auto Detect when you want VMware Player to attempt to identify an available host parallel port automatically. Select a specific port instead when more than one port exists or automatic detection chooses incorrectly.
- Enable Connect at power on when the guest should receive the parallel device automatically each time the virtual machine starts.
- Finish the wizard and save the settings.
A physical parallel port is an actual LPT interface installed on or connected to the host computer. The host operating system must recognize it, and the port must be available to VMware Player. Host permissions, device drivers, a disabled port, or another application using the port can prevent successful attachment.
Configure Output to a Host File
- In the parallel-port configuration screen, select the option that writes output to a file on the host.
- Choose an existing output file or specify a path where VMware Player can create the file, according to the options shown in your version.
- Use a writable local host folder and a clear name, such as a file dedicated to the current test.
- Finish the wizard and save the virtual machine settings.
File output is useful when the host has no native parallel hardware or when you want to capture guest output for analysis. After the guest application sends data to its LPT port, inspect the selected host file. File output captures data sent through the virtual port; it does not make the file behave as a physical parallel device.
Finish and Verify the Configuration
- Complete the add-hardware wizard.
- Confirm that the new Parallel Port entry appears in the Hardware list.
- Save the virtual machine settings.
- Start the virtual machine.
- In the guest operating system, identify the LPT device that was assigned or recognized.
- Configure the guest application to use that device.
- Run a controlled test and verify that data reaches the physical host device or appears in the selected host file.
If the guest does not see the expected LPT device, return to Player > Manage > Virtual Machine Settings and review the Parallel Port entry. From its settings, you can review or alter the destination, connect the device, or remove it. If the device should always be available after boot, verify that Connect at power on is enabled.
Limits and Important Settings
| Setting or limit | Value or behavior | Administration impact |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum virtual parallel ports per virtual machine | Up to three | Remove or repurpose an existing port before adding another after the limit is reached |
| Bidirectional capability | Data can transfer in both directions | Actual behavior also depends on the guest, application, host destination, and connected equipment |
| Power state required for adding hardware | The virtual machine must be fully powered off | Shut down a running or suspended machine before editing hardware |
| Connect at power on | Automatically attaches the device when the virtual machine starts | Enable it when the guest needs the LPT device immediately after boot |
| Auto Detect | Attempts to identify a host parallel port automatically | Useful for a single obvious port; choose a specific port if detection is ambiguous or fails |
Compatibility and Operational Considerations
- A virtual parallel port is different from USB printer passthrough. USB passthrough assigns a USB device to the guest, while the parallel-port device presents an LPT interface.
- A virtual parallel port is also different from a virtual serial port. Serial ports and parallel ports use different interfaces, device names, and application settings. For serial hardware, see Add a Virtual Serial Port.
- Many modern hosts do not include native parallel hardware. In that situation, host-file output is often the more practical way to capture and inspect data.
- The guest operating system may need drivers, device detection, permissions, or legacy application settings before it can use the assigned LPT port.
- When configuring several endpoints, remain within the three-port limit and assign each virtual port to a distinct physical destination or output file.
Troubleshooting
The Parallel Port option is unavailable
The machine may still be running or suspended, or the settings window may belong to a different virtual machine. Fully power off the target machine, select its library entry, reopen Virtual Machine Settings, and retry the Add workflow.
The physical host port does not appear or cannot be used
Confirm that the host operating system recognizes the parallel interface. Check whether it is disabled, already occupied, unsupported, or missing required host drivers. Try selecting a specific port rather than Auto Detect. If the host has no usable physical port, choose host-file output.
The guest cannot see or use an LPT port
Review the Hardware tab and confirm that the Parallel Port entry was saved. Check whether the device is connected and enable Connect at power on when appropriate. Then verify guest device recognition and configure the application for the correct LPT port.
No data appears in the output file
Confirm that the application is actually sending output to the configured LPT port. Check the exact host path and use a writable local folder. Generate a simple controlled test, then inspect the file after the guest sends data.
The device is unavailable after startup
Enable Connect at power on in the parallel-port settings. Also check that the physical host port is available before starting the virtual machine.
An additional parallel port cannot be added
The virtual machine may already have three virtual parallel ports, which is the supported maximum. Review the existing devices and remove or repurpose one if necessary.
Practical Configuration Checklist
- Power off the virtual machine completely.
- Select the correct machine in the VMware Player library.
- Open Player, Manage, and Virtual Machine Settings.
- Use the Hardware tab and select Add.
- Choose Parallel Port.
- Select physical host-port output or host-file output.
- For physical output, choose a port or Auto Detect and consider Connect at power on.
- For file output, select a writable host path with a clear file name.
- Save the settings, start the guest, and verify the LPT device and destination.
- Keep the total number of virtual parallel ports at three or fewer.
For related hardware configuration, see Add a Virtual Serial Port, Connect a USB Device to a Virtual Machine, and Add a Generic SCSI Device. For basic terminology, review What Is a Virtual Machine and What Is a Guest Operating System.