Date: September 3, 2024
Reported by: WindowsForum.com
VMware has unveiled VMware Workstation Pro 17.6, the latest incarnation of its industry-leading virtualization platform. This update not only includes support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows Server 2025, but it also introduces significant improvements, such as a new command-line tool called
### Key Features of VMware Workstation Pro 17.6
#### 1. Support for Latest Operating Systems
The new version of VMware Workstation Pro officially supports a variety of the latest guest and host operating systems:
- New Guest Operating Systems:
- Windows 11 Version 23H2
- Windows Server 2025
- Ubuntu 24.04
- Fedora 40
This expansion in supported operating systems ensures that users can leverage VMware's virtualization solutions for the latest software upgrades, making it easier for developers, IT professionals, and gamers to stay up-to-date.
#### 2. Introduction of vmcli
The most notable addition to VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 is the
- Creating new virtual machines
- Generating VM templates
- Powering on VMs
- Modifying various VM settings
This tool also supports scripting, which means users can automate multiple commands, thus increasing efficiency and streamlining workflows. Here’s a brief rundown of the abilities afforded by
- Create and manage virtual machines - Execute commands to create, destroy, and configure VMs.
- Batch operations - Write scripts for tasks that require multiple command executions, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
#### 3. Performance Enhancements
The latest update patches previously noted issues that could affect performance, particularly for virtual machines running on non-administrator accounts. Users experienced high CPU usage and diminished performance under these scenarios; with this update, VMware aims to rectify these concerns.
#### 4. Legacy Support and Deprecated Features
VMware has made several changes to its software framework in this version. Notably:
- Removal of bundled legacy VMware Tools images - Users will no longer find these tools included by default, although they remain available for download.
- Discontinuation of Bluetooth hub passthrough support - This feature has reached its end-of-life, marking a significant change for users relying on Bluetooth peripherals in virtual environments.
- Removal of Unity mode - Users will notice that the previously available Unity mode has been eliminated from Workstation, which may impact how some users interact with their virtual machines.
Other deprecated items include support for physical host parallel ports and the Enhanced Keyboard driver, which also will no longer be part of the Workstation package.
### Fixed Issues
In addition to new features, VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 also aims to improve stability and user experience. Significant fixes in this update address:
- Crashes associated with the
- Overhauls to installation processes on Linux hosts, particularly those running kernel version 6.8, resolving compilation errors that previously impeded installation.
### Free Personal Use
As part of its commitment to accessibility, VMware Workstation Pro can now be downloaded for free for personal use; however, a valid VMware account is necessary. Commercial users will still need to purchase licenses for their use of the software in business environments. Users already on VMware Workstation Pro will receive update prompts upon launching the application, facilitating an easy upgrade process.
### Historical Context and Future Outlook
VMware Workstation has long been a foundational tool for virtualization in both enterprise and consumer markets. Each version over the years introduces critical updates that not only align the product with the evolving technological landscape but also refine the user experience based on community feedback. The addition of command-line functionality in this latest release marks a clearer approach toward accommodating power users and automation needs in professional environments.
### Conclusion
With the release of VMware Workstation Pro 17.6, users gain powerful new tools and expanded support for the latest operating systems. The
For those heavily invested in virtualization, this update is a significant milestone that enhances functionality while resolving previous issues. As VMware continues to innovate, it’s certain that the future of virtualization will remain closely tied to their platform, particularly as the demand for robust and scalable solutions grows in complexity.
Source: Neowin VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 is out with Windows 11 23H2, Server 2025 support and more
Reported by: WindowsForum.com
VMware has unveiled VMware Workstation Pro 17.6, the latest incarnation of its industry-leading virtualization platform. This update not only includes support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows Server 2025, but it also introduces significant improvements, such as a new command-line tool called
vmcli, which facilitates operations through the Command Prompt or Terminal.### Key Features of VMware Workstation Pro 17.6
#### 1. Support for Latest Operating Systems
The new version of VMware Workstation Pro officially supports a variety of the latest guest and host operating systems:
- New Guest Operating Systems:
- Windows 11 Version 23H2
- Windows Server 2025
- Ubuntu 24.04
- Fedora 40
This expansion in supported operating systems ensures that users can leverage VMware's virtualization solutions for the latest software upgrades, making it easier for developers, IT professionals, and gamers to stay up-to-date.
#### 2. Introduction of vmcli
The most notable addition to VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 is the
vmcli, a command-line interface tool. This feature allows users to interact with the hypervisor directly via the Terminal on both Linux and Windows systems. The introduction of vmcli enables users to perform a broad range of tasks, including:- Creating new virtual machines
- Generating VM templates
- Powering on VMs
- Modifying various VM settings
This tool also supports scripting, which means users can automate multiple commands, thus increasing efficiency and streamlining workflows. Here’s a brief rundown of the abilities afforded by
vmcli:- Create and manage virtual machines - Execute commands to create, destroy, and configure VMs.
- Batch operations - Write scripts for tasks that require multiple command executions, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
#### 3. Performance Enhancements
The latest update patches previously noted issues that could affect performance, particularly for virtual machines running on non-administrator accounts. Users experienced high CPU usage and diminished performance under these scenarios; with this update, VMware aims to rectify these concerns.
#### 4. Legacy Support and Deprecated Features
VMware has made several changes to its software framework in this version. Notably:
- Removal of bundled legacy VMware Tools images - Users will no longer find these tools included by default, although they remain available for download.
- Discontinuation of Bluetooth hub passthrough support - This feature has reached its end-of-life, marking a significant change for users relying on Bluetooth peripherals in virtual environments.
- Removal of Unity mode - Users will notice that the previously available Unity mode has been eliminated from Workstation, which may impact how some users interact with their virtual machines.
Other deprecated items include support for physical host parallel ports and the Enhanced Keyboard driver, which also will no longer be part of the Workstation package.
### Fixed Issues
In addition to new features, VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 also aims to improve stability and user experience. Significant fixes in this update address:
- Crashes associated with the
vmware-kvm --preferences command, which affected users attempting to open the Preferences dialog.- Overhauls to installation processes on Linux hosts, particularly those running kernel version 6.8, resolving compilation errors that previously impeded installation.
### Free Personal Use
As part of its commitment to accessibility, VMware Workstation Pro can now be downloaded for free for personal use; however, a valid VMware account is necessary. Commercial users will still need to purchase licenses for their use of the software in business environments. Users already on VMware Workstation Pro will receive update prompts upon launching the application, facilitating an easy upgrade process.
### Historical Context and Future Outlook
VMware Workstation has long been a foundational tool for virtualization in both enterprise and consumer markets. Each version over the years introduces critical updates that not only align the product with the evolving technological landscape but also refine the user experience based on community feedback. The addition of command-line functionality in this latest release marks a clearer approach toward accommodating power users and automation needs in professional environments.
### Conclusion
With the release of VMware Workstation Pro 17.6, users gain powerful new tools and expanded support for the latest operating systems. The
vmcli command-line tool systematizes many processes, enhancing usability for those familiar with command-line operations. As it continues to evolve, VMware's dedication to providing a versatile and user-friendly virtualization platform remains evident, catering to the needs of both casual users and IT professionals alike.For those heavily invested in virtualization, this update is a significant milestone that enhances functionality while resolving previous issues. As VMware continues to innovate, it’s certain that the future of virtualization will remain closely tied to their platform, particularly as the demand for robust and scalable solutions grows in complexity.
Source: Neowin VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 is out with Windows 11 23H2, Server 2025 support and more