Setup VMware Workstation Pro on Windows Server

If you work with VMs a lot on Windows Server, and you wish to use VMware Workstation Pro 17 on it, you can. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up VMware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server.

Please note that using VMware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server requires you to have the desktop experience enabled. VMware Workstation Pro 17 requires a GUI, so you cannot use it if you haven’t chosen this type of experience for your Windows Server installation.

How to download VMware Workstation 17 on Windows Server

VMware Workstation 17 was just released recently. To get your hands on it, head over to the official VMware Workstation page. Once there,  look for “Workstation 17 Pro for Windows,” and select the “Download Now” button below. When you select this button, VMware Workstation 17 will download to your Windows Server system.

Keep in mind, VMware Workstation 17 is not a free product. It is possible to evaluate it for 30 days if you wish to try it out. During this evaluation period, it is possible to enjoy all of the features that VMware Workstation Pro 17 offers. However, after the trial, you’ll need to purchase a license. To get a license for Workstation Pro 7, find the “Buy Online” button at the bottom of the Workstation Pro 17 page.

How to install VMware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server

To install Vmware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server, start by opening up the Windows Explorer window. Then, open up the “Downloads” folder where the Workstation Pro 17 EXE file is downloaded. Double-click on the file to start up the installer.

After starting up the installer, you’ll see a welcome message. Select the “Next” button to continue. On the next page, it will present you with the VMware EULA. Read it, then select the check box next to “I accept the terms in the License Agreement.” Select the “Next” button when done to move to the next page.

Following the EULA, you’ll be asked to customize the setup process. Choose the box next to “Enhanced Keyboard Driver” if you require it. Also, check the box next to “Add VMware Workstation console tools into system PATH.” When done, click on the “Next” button to move to the next page.

You must now customize the “User Experience Settings” In this area, you’ll be asked if you wish for VMWare Workstation Pro 17 to check for product updates, and if you wish to join the VMware Custom Experience Improvement Program. Check these boxes if you wish, then, click on the “Next” button to continue.

After setting up your user experience, choose if VMware Workstation Pro should create shortcuts on the desktop and in the start menu. Click the “Next” button when done to move to the next page. On the page following shortcuts, you’ll be told that VMware Workstation Pro 17 is ready to begin. Click the “Install” button to set up the app.

VMware Workstation Pro 17 will take a few minutes to install. When the process is complete, Vmware Workstation Pro 17 will be ready to use on your Windows Server.

How to use VMware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server

To use VMware Workstation Pro 17 on Windows Server, open up the Start Menu and search for “VMware Workstation.” Once the menu is open, you’ll be asked to enter a license key. If you’ve purchased VMware Workstation Pro 17, enter your key. If you do not, select “I want to try VMware Workstation 17 for 30 days.”

After you’ve entered the key, or selected “I want to try VMware Workstation Pro 17 for 30 days,” Vmware Workstation Pro 17 will load up. Find the “Create a new Virtual Machine” button, and click on it.

Once you’ve selected the “Create a new Virtual Machine” button, a wizard will open up. Select “Typical (recommended)” for your new virtual machine. Then, click on the “Next” button.

After clicking on the “Next” button, browse for the ISO image you plan to use in your VM. Alternatively, if you have an installer disk, insert it into the disk drive. Then, click on the “Next” button to move to the next page in the installer.

You’ll now need to label your virtual machine. In the “Virtual machine name” box, write the name of the VM. Alternatively, allow VMware to auto-generate a name for you. Click the “Next” button when done to move to the next page.

You must now specify the disk capacity for your VM. By default, VMware should automatically detect it. However, if you prefer a larger size, enter it in the “Maximum disk size (GB)”. Then, choose your disk type. When done, click the “Next” button to move to the next page.

After specifying the disk size, you’ll see a summary of your new virtual machine. Read the overview and select “Customize Hardware” if you wish to change anything. Click the “Finish” button to create the VM.

When you’ve created your VM, it will automatically power on. From here, you can install the operating system in the VM, and begin using it on your Windows Server system.

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