Creating a Virtual Machine (VM) in VMware Workstation

Follow these steps to create your first Virtual Machine (VM) in VMware Workstation:

Step 1: Open VMware Workstation

1. Launch VMware Workstation from your system.
2. Click on “Create a New Virtual Machine” on the home screen.

Step 2: Choose the Installation Method

• Select “Typical (Recommended)” for an easy setup.
• Choose “Custom (Advanced)” if you want to manually configure hardware settings.

Click Next to proceed.

Step 3: Select the Installation Media

You have three options:

1. Install from a disc – If you have a physical OS installation CD/DVD.
2. Install from an ISO image – Select an ISO file for your OS (Recommended).
   • Click “Browse” and select your OS ISO file (e.g., Ubuntu, Windows).
3. I will install the operating system later – If you want to configure VM settings first.

Click Next after selecting the installation media.

Step 4: Choose the Guest Operating System

• Select the OS type:
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • macOS (requires additional settings)
• Choose the OS version from the dropdown (e.g., Windows 10, Ubuntu 22.04).

Click Next to proceed.

Step 5: Name the Virtual Machine & Set Location

• Enter a name for your VM (e.g., Ubuntu VM).
• Choose the location where VMware will store VM files.

Click Next.

Step 6: Allocate Processor & Memory (RAM)

• Assign CPU cores (Recommended: 2+ cores).
• Assign RAM (Recommended:
  • 2GB (Linux)
  • 4GB+ (Windows)
  • 8GB+ (for better performance)

Click Next.

Step 7: Configure Hard Disk for VM

• Choose Create a New Virtual Hard Disk.
• Set disk size: 20GB+ recommended.
• Select Store virtual disk as a single file for better performance.

Click Next.

Step 8: Configure Network Adapter

• Bridged Mode → Direct access to your network (useful for testing servers).
• NAT Mode (Recommended) → VM uses host system’s internet.
• Host-Only → No internet, but VM can communicate with the host.

Click Next.

Step 9: Finalizing VM Settings

• Review your settings.
• Click “Customize Hardware” if you want to adjust:
  • RAM, CPU, Display settings.
  • Attach additional hard disks or USB devices.

Click Finish to create the VM.

Step 10: Install the Operating System

1. Power on the VM.
2. If using an ISO, the OS installation wizard will start.
3. Follow the OS installation steps and complete setup.

Next Steps After Creating the VM

✅ Install VMware Tools for better performance.
✅ Take a Snapshot before making major changes.
✅ Optimize VM settings for better speed.