How to Install Linux in Windows With a VMware Virtual Machine
Use A PC That Supports Virtualization
Want to install Linux but can't give up Windows? Set up a VMware Workstation Player virtual machine to run any version of Linux.
You've tried Linux from a live CD. Now you want to install it, but you're unsure about dual booting. The sensible option is to install your chosen Linux operating system in a virtual machine (VM).
A virtual machine is a software environment that replicates the conditions of a hardware environment: a personal computer. The environment is based on the hardware of your physical PC and limited only by the components within. For instance, you couldn't have a virtual four core CPU on a processor with two cores.
Several VM tools make it easy to install Linux operating systems (OS). VMware produces the most accomplished virtual machine applications. Let's find out how to install Linux in Windows with VMware Workstation Player.
Install VMware Workstation Player
To start, head to the VMware website and download the latest version of their Workstation Player tool. VMware Workstation Player is free and available for non-commercial, personal, and home use. Students and non-profit organizations can also benefit from the free version. In terms of functionality, VMware Workstation Player includes everything you could need for the standard virtual machine tasks.
However, VMware offers a wide selection of virtualization solutions aimed at businesses of all levels. You can find out more about their solutions on the website's product page.
Once VMware Workstation Player has downloaded, launch the installer and follow the installation wizard. You'll see the option to install an Enhanced Keyboard Driver while you would not need this initially, it is worth having.
Proceed through the installation wizard, and restart Windows when prompted.
Create Your Linux Virtual Machine
While your Linux ISO downloads, it's a good time to start configuring your VM. Start by launching VMware Workstation Player. When you're ready to create a VM:
- Click Create a New Virtual Machine
- Select the default option, Installer disc image file (iso)
- Click Browse to find the ISO file
- With "guest" OS selected, click Next
- Select Linux as the Guest operating system type
- Under Version, scroll through the list and select the OS
- Click Next to proceed and if necessary, input a Virtual machine name
- Confirm the storage Location and change if needed
- With the operating system selected and configured, it's time to build the virtual machine.
- Under Specify Disk Capacity adjust Maximum disk size if required (the default should be enough)
- Select Split virtual disk into multiple files as this makes moving the VM to a new PC easy
- Click Next then confirm the details on the next screen
- If anything seems wrong click Back, otherwise click Finish
Your Linux virtual machine will be added to VMware Workstation Player.
Customize Your Virtual Hardware
In some cases, you might need to customize the virtual machine before installing Linux. Alternatively, you might install the OS and find there is something missing.
To fix this, right-click on your virtual machine in VMware Workstation Player and select Settings.
Here, you can tweak the virtual machine's hardware in other ways beyond the HDD. You have options for the Memory, Processors, Network Adaptor configuration, and much more.
it is worth taking a look at the Processors screen. In the right-hand pane, you will spot a reference to a Virtualization engine. By default, this works automatically, but for troubleshooting set Intel VT-x or AMD-V, depending on your CPU.
You can address performance issues in the Memory screen. Here you will spot an illustration of the suggested RAM size, as well as recommended options for your virtual machine. It's a good idea to stick to these recommendations. Going too small will prove a problem, while setting the RAM too high will impact on your PC's performance, slowing everything from standard system tasks to running the VM software!
Finally, spare a moment to check the Display settings. Default settings should be fine but if there is an issue with the display you can toggle 3D acceleration. Multiple monitors can be used and custom resolution set, but note that some modes will clash with some desktops.
Click OK to confirm changes, then select the virtual machine and click the Play button to begin.
Download And Install VMware Tools
On the first boot of your virtual machine, you'll be prompted to Download and Install VMware Tools for Linux. Agree to this, then wait as it is downloaded.
VMware Tools will enhance the performance of the virtual machine while enabling shared folders between host and guest machines.
How To Install Linux In VMware
When the ISO boots in the virtual machine, it will boot into the live environment. This is a temporary Linux that exists only on the boot media and in the system memory. To ensure the environment persists, use the Install option on the desktop.
From this point, the installation will continue as if you're installing an OS on a physical machine. Progress through the installation wizard, creating a user account and setting other options when prompted.
Once the installation is complete, you'll be able to log into the Linux virtual machine and start using the guest OS. It's that simple!
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