In this blog post, I will show you how to install VMware Workstation Player 16.1.0 in Windows 10.

You can also refer to the video I have uploaded on YouTube. Rest of the blog describes the detailed steps required to install VMware Player 16.

About VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player is the limited capability free (for non-commercial use) version of VMware Workstation Pro. That is, it is just as VMware Workstation Pro with lesser functionality and free for personal use. But what is available is enough for most of the home users.

VMware Workstation Player formally known as VMware Player is a Virtualization software used to run multiple virtual machines on the same hardware. Its available for both Windows and Linux based operating systems. It runs on 64 bit operating system, which means that if you have 32 bit operating system, you will not be able to use it.

Earlier, VMware Player was distinct from VMware Workstation. But now they have been merged. That is to say, VMware Player is now available as VMware Workstation Player which shares the same core as the VMware Workstation. The only difference is that, VMware Workstation provides all the features, where as VMware Workstation Player is a stripped down version of VMware Workstation pro and does not have all the features.

But the good part is that VMware Player is free for non commercial use and provides enough functionality for Home and non commercial users. It provides enough features to be able to run a virtual machine on a home computer.

How much does VMware Workstation Player cost

VMware Workstation player is available free of cost. Earlier it was not free, but I see that VMware has made it available for free for non Commercial users. For commercial usage, VMware Workstation Pro is more suitable.

Where is the Download link for VMware Workstation Player

This is the download page for all the VMware products. You will have to scroll down to VMware Player option to see the download link. From here you download any VMware Products. This link will always remain valid even when newer versions of the products are released.

This is the direct link to download VMware Player 16 for Windows 10. Please note that this is a 64 bit application. VMware no longer supports 32 bit Operating Systems.

In this blog, I will be using VMware Player Version 16.1.0, Installer file name is VMware-player-16.1.0-17198959.exe and is about 220 MB in size.

Lets get the process Started.

Step 1 – Run the installer

Start the installer by double clicking it. You might see User Account Control Warning. Click Yes to continue.

Then, you will see a splash screen. It will prepare the system for installation and then the installation wizard opens.

Click next and accept the license terms and click next again to move on to the next screen.

Step 2 – Custom setup – Enhanced Keyboard driver and Installation directory

In this dialog box, please select the folder in which you want to install the application. I leave it as it is. Also check the box Enhanced Keyboard Drivers option. Click next.

Step 3 – User Experience Settings

Check the options for Check the product update at Startup and Join the VMware Customer Program. I normally leave it as it is. You can unchecked it if you so desire. Click next

Step 4 – Select where the shortcuts will be installed

Check the box where the shortcut to run the application will be created. I leave it as it is. Click on next.

Step 5 – Ready to install

Now the installation wizard is ready to install. Click on install to begin the installation.

Installation begins, wait for it to complete.

After sometime, you will see installation compete message. You are done.

Click on Finish to Complete the installation.

You will be asked to restart your system. Click on Yes to restart. Click No, if you want to restart later. But you must restart before using the application, else some features will not work properly.

Step 6 – License

Now Run the application. You should see a desktop icon. Douple click on that or use the start menu to navigate to VMware Player option.

Once you run the application for the first time, you will be asked for licence. Select the option Use VMware Workstation Player 16 for for free for non commercial use.

Click continue.

Click on Finish.

Now you will see VMware Workstation Player 16 ready to be used for free for non-commercial purpose.