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Installing Ubuntu on VMware Workstation
[Easiest Guide]
Written by Reviewed by
Auhona Islam Md. Ashakul Islam Sowad
Last updated: Apr 29, 2024
Ubuntu stands out as one of the most widely embraced and user-friendly Linux
distributions. Whether you are an experienced Linux enthusiast or a newcomer
eager to delve into the realm of open-source software, installing Ubuntu on
VMware offers a practical means of immersing yourself in the operating system
without the need for a complete installation on your physical hardware. This guide
will lead you step by step through the procedure for setting up Ubuntu on
VMware.
Table of Contents
Requirements for Installing Ubuntu on VMware
You must have VMware Workstation installed on your computer.
Your computer needs to own a 64-bit x86 processor with virtualization
technology (VT-x or AMD-V) support.
You would require a computer with RAM of at least 2GB or more for a smooth
performance.
You have to allocate at least 20 GB of disk space for your Ubuntu VM.
What is Ubuntu in Linux?
Ubuntu is a widely recognized Linux distribution celebrated for its user-friendly
approach and robust features. Built upon the Debian operating system, Ubuntu
boasts a GNOME-based desktop environment for an intuitive user experience. Its
software management relies on the reliable APT package manager, simplifying
application installation and updates.
Moreover, Ubuntu offers an extensive repository of free and open-source
software, while Long-Term Support (LTS) releases ensure stability and security for
extended periods. This versatile Linux distro, supported by an active community
and Canonical Ltd., excels in desktop computing, server deployments, and cloud
environments, embodying the spirit of open-source collaboration and
accessibility.
What is VMware Workstation?
VMware Workstation is a virtualization software that allows users to create and
manage virtual machines (VMs) on their desktop or laptop computers. Its key
features include VM management, snapshots for easy backups and rollback,
cloning for rapid VM replication, integration with host and guest OSes, networking
configuration options, 3D graphics support, remote access capabilities, and broad
compatibility with various guest operating systems, making it a versatile tool for
developers, IT professionals, and testers.
Steps to Install Ubuntu on VMware
Installing Ubuntu on VMware is a practical way to run Ubuntu alongside your
existing operating system. VMware provides a user-friendly virtualization platform
for this purpose. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the installation process of
Ubuntu on VMware. It involves three major tasks. One is downloading the Ubuntu
iso Image, creating a virtual machine on VMware, and installing Ubuntu on the
virtual machine.
1. Download Ubuntu ISO Image
Installing Ubuntu on VMware is a straightforward process. The very first step of
this is to download the Ubuntu iso file on your computer. You can follow the steps
below:
1. Go to the Ubuntu download page.
2. After that, click on the Get Ubuntu Desktop.
3. Now hit the Download 23.04 option to download the Ubuntu ISO Image. You
can choose any other version of Ubuntu from there as you need.
In this location, you can observe the ISO image for Ubuntu-23.04, with 23.04
denoting the Ubuntu version.
Now keep this ISO image intact for later use.
2. Create a Virtual Machine on VMware
VMware is a virtualization platform that allows you to run virtual machines on a
computer. Creating a virtual machine(VM) using VMware is a valuable means of
operating numerous operating systems on a single physical computer. Follow the
steps below to create a virtual machine using VMware:
1. Open VMware and click on the option Create a New Virtual Machine.
Note: You can do this by accessing the “File” option located in the upper-
left corner of VMware. In this scenario, simply follow the instructions as
follows: File > New Virtual Machine.
2. Select the first checkbox called Typical (recommended) and click on the Next
button.
3. Select the “I will install the operating system later” option and click Next.
4. Now, choose Linux as a Guest Operating System, and after that select Ubuntu
64-bit in the version option.
5. At this moment, assign a Virtual Machine Name and hit the Next button.
6. To specify disk capacity, set 20 GB at least as the maximum disk size
(recommended) and also select the option “Store virtual desk as a single file”.
Then click on Next to move forward.
7. In this instant, click Finish.
After completing all the steps mentioned above, a virtual machine will be
created as below.
3. Install Ubuntu on the Newly Created Virtual Machine
Once a virtual machine is established in VMware, the next step is to install Ubuntu
on the newly created VM. To proceed with the installation of Ubuntu on VMware,
adhere to the following outlined steps.
1. At first, go to the VM option and then click on the Settings.
2. Now, from the CD/DVD(SATA) option in Settings, choose the “Use ISO image
file” option and click on the Browse option to select the downloaded ISO Image
file of Ubuntu from the file manager. At the end, click on OK option.
Here you can see the Ubuntu ISO image file has been selected.
3. Now, go to Memory settings. and set RAM for the virtual machine as you need.
In my case, 4 GB of memory is selected by default and I kept it so.
4. In the Processor settings, you can choose the number of processors you want
to set for the virtual machine. Use 1 in the processor and 1 or more in the core
processor.
5. Click on the Power on this virtual machine option.
The virtual machine Ubuntu has started from the ISO file.
Here, you can see the home of the Ubuntu virtual machine.
6. Select the language you prefer. Then click on Next.
7. Select “Install Ubuntu” and click on Next.
8. Select your keyboard layout and go to Next.
9. Choose the Use wired connection from the Connect to a Network Window and
click on Next.
10. Choose the Normal installation option.
11. Select the Erase disk and install the Ubuntu.
12. Finally, Click on the Install button to begin the Ubuntu installation.
13. Choose your timezone and go to Next.
14. To set up your account, provide your name, and computer’s name and pick a
password at your convenience. Then click on the Next.
15. Choose the theme you prefer. I’ve selected the Dark theme here.
Immediately you click on Next after the previous step, the Ubuntu installer
starts installing Ubuntu. It may take some time to finish the installation.
16. As the installation completes, Click on the Restart Now button.
After the restart of the VM, a Login screen will appear with the previously
created username.
17. Click on the user name and then provide the user password as you’ve set
before. Then press Enter.
Now explore Linux using this Ubuntu on VMware. Feel free to delve deeper into Linux
with practical exploration, without any hesitation to experiment and try out new
things. Any errors or issues that may arise won’t affect your primary operating
system in any way, since the OS (ubuntu) is running as a virtual machine.
The benefits of Running Ubuntu on VMware
Virtual machines generally pertain to distinct operating system installations on a
single computer, each allocated a portion of the computer’s available system
resources. Utilizing VMware to operate Ubuntu serves as an exemplification of this
concept. You can operate Linux by installing Ubuntu in a VM alongside your
Windows PC. It’s feasible for multiple operating system installations to coexist
concurrently on the same physical machine. Besides these, VMware helps to
manage storage, security, networking, and resources.
In summary, running Ubuntu on VMware offers flexibility, scalability, and
management advantages, making it a popular choice for various use cases
including testing, development, and efficient resource utilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing Ubuntu on VMware Workstation is a straightforward and
powerful process to experience the Ubuntu Linux distribution on your existing
operating system. This step-by-step guide has provided you with the knowledge
to create and configure a virtual machine, customize its settings, and perform a
smooth Ubuntu installation, virtual machine, customize its settings and perform a
smooth Ubuntu installation.
People Also Ask
How to get the Ubuntu ISO file for VMware?
First, go to the Ubuntu official download page. Then, click on the Get Ubuntu
Desktop. Now press the Download 24.04 LTS option to download the Ubuntu ISO
Image. You can choose any other version of Ubuntu like 20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, or
23.04 from there as you need.
Can I run Ubuntu in VM on Windows?
Yes, you can run Ubuntu in a virtual machine (VM) on Windows using virtualization
software like VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V.
What is better Hyper-V or VirtualBox?
Hyper-V is generally considered a more robust and feature-rich virtualization
solution, especially for enterprise environments, offering better performance and
scalability, while VirtualBox is a user-friendly, open-source option suitable for
smaller-scale or personal virtualization needs. The choice between the two
depends on the scale of your virtualization project.
Which VM should I use for Ubuntu?
For running Ubuntu as a VM, VirtualBox is a popular choice due to its user-friendly
interface for most personal or small-scale visualization needs. If the scale of the
virtualization is high, VMware can be an option for Ubuntu.
Why install Linux on a Virtual Machine?
Installing Linux on a Virtual Machine (VM) allows you to run a Linux operating
system alongside your primary OS, providing a safe and isolated environment for
tasks like software development, learning Linux, or testing applications without
affecting your main system.
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Auhona Islam
Auhona Islam is a dedicated professional with a background in Electronics and
Communication Engineering (ECE) from Khulna University of Engineering &
Technology. Graduating in 2023, Auhona is currently excelling in her role as a Linux
content developer executive at SOFTEKO to provide a more straightforward route for
Linux users. She aims to generate compelling materials for Linux users with her
knowledge and skills. She holds her enthusiasm in the realm of Machine Learning
(ML), Deep Learning (DL), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Apart from these, she has a
passion for playing instruments and singing. Read Full Bio
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