Big news for tech enthusiasts and IT professionals: VMware has announced that its flagship virtualization software, Workstation Pro, is now available for free for personal use. This move is set to empower users with more tools to create and manage virtual machines on their personal computers.
What’s the Deal?
VMware’s Workstation Pro, a powerful hypervisor that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, has shifted to a no-cost model for non-commercial use. This change aligns with the company’s strategy to make virtualization more accessible to a broader audience.
Getting Your Hands on Workstation Pro
To take advantage of this offer, simply head over to Broadcom’s website. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
- Navigate to Broadcom: Start by visiting broadcom.com.
- Support Portal Access: Click on ‘Support Portal’ in the upper right corner.
- Account Registration: You can either log in or register for a basic Broadcom account.
- Product Download: Once logged in, select the VMware Cloud Foundation division, click ‘My Downloads’, and search for Workstation Pro.
- Personal Use Edition: Look out for the Personal Use edition dropdown—it’s the same binaries as the Commercial one.
- Version Selection: Choose version 17.5.2 for Workstation Pro[^1^][1].
- Installation: Download and install the software on your device.
Switching to Pro
If you’re already using Workstation Player or Fusion Player, switching to the Pro version is straightforward. Uninstall the Player version and follow the above steps to install Pro. For Fusion Pro users, the process involves a few manual steps, which can be found in the detailed guides provided by VMware.
Why This Matters?
The shift to a free model for Workstation Pro signifies a significant step towards democratizing technology. It opens up new possibilities for users to experiment with different operating systems, test software in safe environments, and enhance their computing capabilities without additional cost.
For a more detailed walkthrough and insights into the benefits of using VMware Workstation Pro, visit the official guide links provided by VMware. Embrace the power of virtualization and expand your digital horizons with VMware Workstation Pro.
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