VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 Free - PC Simulation Software

Download VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 Build 25388281 (x64) for free. This full, permanent version of the PC virtualization software simulates Windows 11, as well as MacOS and Linux.

About VMware Workstation Pro 26H1

VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 A virtual machine (hosted or Type 2 hypervisor) is a system simulation program for Windows and Linux operating systems. It allows the installation and running of multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, BSD, etc., as virtual machines (VMs) simultaneously on a single computer. Each VM operates independently from the main system, allowing for software testing and system trials without affecting the physical machine.

Workstation Pro comes with professional-grade features such as Snapshot, which saves the state of virtual machines for easy restoration; Clone, which quickly copies VMs for various testing scenarios; Virtual Networking, for simulating complex network infrastructure; and integration with vSphere/ESXi for direct connection and management of virtual machines from remote data centers. It also supports 3D graphics, USB external devices, and DevOps integration via API or command line, making it ideal for flexible development, testing, and creating virtual environments within an enterprise setting.

Previously, Workstation Pro was licensed software, but recently VMware has made it available for free for personal use and has extended its availability to commercial use. This allows users for testing, development, or small-scale server tasks to access it without paying licensing fees.

Core Competencies

1. Supports multiple operating systems on a single device.
It is possible to run Windows, Linux, BSD, and other operating systems simultaneously on a single computer, with each system running independently. This is ideal for software testing, program development, or running older systems that are not supported on a physical machine.

2. Advanced Virtual Machine Management
There is a Snapshot feature for saving the virtual machine's state and reverting to it at any time, including: Clone It helps to quickly copy virtual machines to instantly create multiple test environments.

3. Virtual Networking
It can simulate various network configurations, such as NAT, Bridged, and Host-only, to create complex network environments. It can be used to test server-client systems or simulate multiple machine connections within a single infrastructure.

4. Connectivity with enterprise-level platforms.
It allows direct connection and management of virtual machines on vSphere, ESXi, or vCenter Server, enabling seamless integration with data center infrastructure.

5. Efficiency and safety.
It supports 3D graphics acceleration (DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.3), virtual machine encryption (VM Encryption), and virtual TPM 2.0 support to enhance security during system testing.

6. Increased accessibility and usability.
The latest version of Workstation Pro is available free of charge for commercial, educational, and personal use, making it one of the most accessible and powerful professional system simulation tools available today.

What's new?

VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 includes major updates such as a full 64-bit Windows version upgrade, a timestamp showing the last creation/start date of the VM, support for connecting to remote ARM-based ESXi hosts, and improved display of VM folder notes.

Additional items

The Windows edition of Workstation Pro is now a 64-bit application suite, including installation files, libraries, and related services.
Added Lifecycle Timestamps to make it easier to see the VM creation time and the last time it was activated.
Supports remote connection to an ARM-based ESXi host for basic VM operations.
There's a combined Notes folder within the folder tab, making it easier to take notes/add information to VMs.

System support

Added support for guest OS such as Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora 43/44, SUSE Linux Enterprise 16, openSUSE 16.0, and FreeBSD 15.0.
Added support for multiple Windows/Linux host OS within the same bundle, such as Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora 43/44, SUSE Linux Enterprise 16 GA, and openSUSE 16.0.

other

This version also includes security fixes and bug fixes, as well as improved credential format for encrypted VMs and remote servers.
Broadcom states that some UI issues have been addressed, such as help links now pointing to the correct documentation.

Release Notes