Attention Windows enthusiasts, Linux lovers, and everyone else who's dived into the virtual machine world using VMware Workstation! There’s big news: VMware has released version 17.6.2 for Workstation Pro and Player, packed with problem-solving fixes and—wait for it—it’s completely free. Yes, you read that right, no license whatsoever required anymore.
But there’s more to this story than just a waived licensing fee. Stick around as we dissect what’s new, what’s been fixed, and what this means for Windows 11 users, Linux aficionados, and virtual machine tinkerers alike.
This is significant, not just in terms of cost savings but also how it democratizes access to professional-grade virtualization tools. Whether you’re an IT professional managing a corporate tech stack, a professor teaching virtualization to eager students, or a home user experimenting with multiple OS installations—VMware Workstation Pro is open for exploration.
But why this shift? Many speculate VMware's parent company, Broadcom, is positioning VMware Workstation to compete more aggressively in the virtualization market. After all, Oracle VirtualBox has long been the darling of the open-source crowd due to its free availability. By removing the licensing barrier, VMware essentially levels the playing field.
Curious users should note that there’s currently no workaround available. Patience is key—especially if you regularly juggle multiple screens for your virtualized environments.
For example, if you’ve been hesitant to install a legacy software package or wanted to experiment with a different Linux distro within the safe confines of a VM, now is definitely the time. VMware Workstation Pro offers robust isolation, the ability to snapshot, and a plethora of virtualized hardware support—all without having to fiddle with Hyper-V nuances.
The knock-on effects could include:
Still, keep an eye on that multi-monitor issue. Despite its vast feature set and relatively stable operation, VMware still has room for improvement.
What are your thoughts? Do these updates finally resolve your grievances with VMware products? Are you ready to make the switch—or are you sticking with VirtualBox or Hyper-V? Let us know your thoughts in the forum discussion below!
Source: Neowin Latest VMware update is free with no license, fixes Windows 11 and Linux freezes, crashes
But there’s more to this story than just a waived licensing fee. Stick around as we dissect what’s new, what’s been fixed, and what this means for Windows 11 users, Linux aficionados, and virtual machine tinkerers alike.
Free to All: No Keys, No Problems
Let’s start with the headline—VMware Workstation Pro and Player are now completely free. Previously available at a premium, VMware Workstation Pro shifted to a free model for personal use earlier this year. While that alone was cause for celebration among tech hobbyists, this new update takes it a step further: commercial and educational users also no longer need a subscription or license key to fire up what has traditionally been considered one of the most feature-packed virtualization platforms.This is significant, not just in terms of cost savings but also how it democratizes access to professional-grade virtualization tools. Whether you’re an IT professional managing a corporate tech stack, a professor teaching virtualization to eager students, or a home user experimenting with multiple OS installations—VMware Workstation Pro is open for exploration.
But why this shift? Many speculate VMware's parent company, Broadcom, is positioning VMware Workstation to compete more aggressively in the virtualization market. After all, Oracle VirtualBox has long been the darling of the open-source crowd due to its free availability. By removing the licensing barrier, VMware essentially levels the playing field.
Bug Fixes Galore: Windows 11 and Linux Users, Rejoice!
With version 17.6.2, VMware hasn’t just waved goodbye to licensing fees—they’ve tackled some serious bugs head-on. Let’s break down the changelog for those who care about the nitty-gritty details:Key Fixes in VMware Workstation 17.6.2
- Snapshot Manager Crashes on Linux
Snapshot operations such as taking, deleting, or restoring images caused Workstation for Linux to crash. If you’re the kind of user who meticulously creates snapshots before making any system-level changes (a virtual machine safety net), this fix will be music to your ears. - Unresponsive Virtual Machines on Windows 11 Hosts
Imagine unlocking your Windows 11 host and finding your VM is as responsive as a brick. That’s been the unfortunate reality for many users—until now. Unlocking your host no longer turns your VM into a frozen tableau. Props to VMware for ironing this one out. - Linux kcompactd Kernel Process Woes
Say goodbye to VM sluggishness caused by the kcompactd kernel process. Extensive memory compaction in Linux hosts was wreaking havoc on performance, but VMware has resolved this issue, ensuring smoother operations for Linux-based VMs.
Known Issues: The Multi-Monitor Mystery
Not everything’s perfect just yet. VMware acknowledges that multi-monitor setups might still misbehave in specific hardware or topology configurations. Issues could include monitors suddenly reverting to a single screen or failing to cycle through displays.Curious users should note that there’s currently no workaround available. Patience is key—especially if you regularly juggle multiple screens for your virtualized environments.
VMware's Big Play
This update speaks volumes about VMware’s ongoing commitment to adaptability and relevance in the virtualization market. By eliminating license fees and addressing long-standing bugs that significantly impact usability, VMware Workstation achieves two key outcomes:- Appealing to a Broader Audience: VMware’s shift to a free model could drastically increase adoption rates, potentially pulling users away from competitors like Oracle VirtualBox or Microsoft Hyper-V.
- Retaining Professional Credibility: Even when free, VMware Workstation Pro remains feature-packed and highly professional, a fact bound to keep its engineers and long-time users happy.
What This Means for Windows 11 Users
Windows 11 users in particular should mark this date in their calendars. Virtualization on Microsoft’s flagship OS has been a work in progress since its launch, particularly with its heavy reliance on hardware virtualization technologies like Hyper-V. VMware Workstation’s latest fixes ensure smoother compatibility with Windows 11 hosts, which is especially handy given Microsoft’s rapid release cadence and hardware-level security requirements.For example, if you’ve been hesitant to install a legacy software package or wanted to experiment with a different Linux distro within the safe confines of a VM, now is definitely the time. VMware Workstation Pro offers robust isolation, the ability to snapshot, and a plethora of virtualized hardware support—all without having to fiddle with Hyper-V nuances.
Broader Implications for Virtualization Software
VMware’s move to make Workstation Pro and Player free undercuts traditional tiered licensing models in the virtualization space and highlights trends toward more open and accessible software.The knock-on effects could include:
- Increased Competition: Free premium-tier software raises the stakes for competitors. Oracle VirtualBox might feel the squeeze here, as VMware could begin consuming a chunk of their user base.
- Virtualization’s Growing Everyday Role: As virtual machines become part of everyday workflows—not just IT infrastructure—the need for user-friendly, cost-effective tools is more important than ever. VMware’s update positions them nicely for this burgeoning demand.
How to Get Started
Ready to dive into VMware Workstation 17.6.2? Here’s how to set things up:- Download It:
Access the tools via VMware’s official page or trusted distributors. - Launch Installation:
Follow the setup guide—Broadcom even provides extensive documentation for first-time users and those transitioning from older versions. - Experiment Freely:
Whatever your needs—testing new OS installations, sandboxing, or building complex network setups—the sky’s the limit.
Final Thoughts
VMware Workstation Pro becoming free is a game-changer—both for casual users and organizations. Coupled with critical bug fixes addressing some of VMware’s most glaring issues, version 17.6.2 makes a compelling case for jumping ship from rival platforms or upgrading from previous versions.Still, keep an eye on that multi-monitor issue. Despite its vast feature set and relatively stable operation, VMware still has room for improvement.
What are your thoughts? Do these updates finally resolve your grievances with VMware products? Are you ready to make the switch—or are you sticking with VirtualBox or Hyper-V? Let us know your thoughts in the forum discussion below!
Source: Neowin Latest VMware update is free with no license, fixes Windows 11 and Linux freezes, crashes