How to Install VMware Workstation Pro 17 for Free on Windows 10

intermediateVirtualization4 min
Independently tested and verified on Oct 3, 2024. Commands reproduced exactly as run.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10
  • A free VMware account (created during the tutorial)
  • A 64-bit CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) enabled in BIOS/UEFI

This tutorial takes about 4 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Navigate to the VMware Download Page

Open your preferred web browser and visit the official VMware website to locate the Workstation Pro download section. Scroll down to the Windows downloads area and click the link for VMware Workstation Pro.

Step 2: Create and Verify a VMware Account

If you do not already have an account, click Register and enter your email address along with the required security verification. Check your inbox for a verification code, paste it into the prompt, and complete the account creation form with your personal details. Screenshot of the VMware customer portal Products page showing the list of VMware Workstation Pro download options, with "VMware Workstation Pro 17.0 for Personal Use (Windows)" selected.

Step 3: Log In and Select the Correct Version

Return to the download page and sign in with your newly created credentials. Navigate to the software selection menu, ensure you select version 17.6, and choose VMware Workstation Pro 17 for personal use for Windows. Screenshot of the Broadcom support portal download page for VMware Workstation Pro for Personal Use (Windows) 17.6, with the Terms and Conditions checkbox checked and the download button visible.

Step 4: Accept Terms and Start the Download

Check the box to agree to the Terms and Conditions, then select the personal use license option before clicking the Download button. You will be prompted to complete an additional verification step, so enter your shipping address and submit the form to initiate the roughly 448 MB file transfer. Screenshot of the VMware Workstation Pro Setup Wizard welcome screen after launching the downloaded installer from the Windows Downloads folder.

Step 5: Run the Installer and Configure Options

Locate the downloaded executable file in your Downloads folder and double-click to launch the installation wizard. Click Next, accept the license agreement, and customize your installation preferences such as desktop shortcuts and update checks before proceeding with the Install button.

Step 6: Activate the Personal Use License

Once the installation finishes, launch VMware Workstation Pro and click to accept the personal use license agreement when prompted. Click Finish to complete the setup, and your virtualization software will now be fully operational on your Windows 10 machine. Screenshot of the "Welcome to VMware Workstation 17" dialog with the "Use VMware Workstation 17 for Personal Use" option selected, ready to click Continue.

FAQ

Yes, VMware has made version 17 completely free for personal use after you register and accept the personal use license agreement.
VMware requires an additional verification step, including your address, before allowing the download — even though the software itself is free.
No, joining the Customer Experience Improvement Program is optional and can be skipped during the installation wizard setup.

Never miss an issue

One email a week on local LLMs, DIY AI hardware, and the tools that power them. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

Subscribe free

Products used in this tutorial

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
cpu

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

12-core, 24-thread AMD Ryzen 9 3900X desktop processor (Zen 2, AM4) with 4.6 GHz max boost for high-end content creation and multitasking.

3 retailers
Asus TUF Gaming X570
motherboard

Asus TUF Gaming X570

AMD X570 ATX motherboard for AM4 with PCIe 4.0, DDR4 memory support and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports - a durable foundation for Ryzen 3000-series desktop builds

3 retailers
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64GB DDR4
memory

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64GB DDR4

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64GB DDR4 UDIMM kit - reliable overclocking memory with Intel XMP 2.0 profiles for AM4 desktop builds and Ryzen 3000-series

3 retailers
Windows 11 Pro
operating-system

Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - the professional edition of Windows 11 with advanced security, remote desktop, and enterprise management features.

4 retailers
Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe SSD
storage

Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe SSD

Kingston A2000 1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD - reliable budget-friendly storage for everyday computing on desktops and laptops with fast sequential performance

2 retailers
WDC WD10EZEX-08WN4A0 1TB SATA HDD
storage

WDC WD10EZEX-08WN4A0 1TB SATA HDD

Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB 3.5" desktop hard drive with SATA III interface - reliable high-capacity storage for everyday computing needs.

2 retailers
HGST HTS721010A9E620 1TB SATA HDD
storage

HGST HTS721010A9E620 1TB SATA HDD

HGST Travelstar Z5K1000 1TB 2.5" laptop hard drive - reliable energy-efficient storage for desktops and workstations with SATA III interface

2 retailers
fanxiang S880R 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
storage

fanxiang S880R 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

fanxiang S880R 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with built-in heatsink — up to 7300MB/s reads and 3D TLC NAND for high-performance desktop and console storage.

2 retailers