Your PC is the host system, while the virtual machine you install is the guest operating system. It uses a hypervisor to separate the virtual machine’s resources from your PC’s hardware so that you can use it efficiently. The virtual machine functions like a separate computer (opens in new tab) running its own CPU, memory, network interface, and storage. It lets you create virtual machines on a Windows or Linux PC.

Virtualization is the core function of the VM Workstation Player. You can also add one year of technical support for a $42 fee. It costs $199 for a new license for each PC or $99 for an upgrade. Unlike its free-to-use counterpart, Workstation Pro lets you create and manage encrypted virtual machines (VMs) and create full operating system clones.

The higher-end version of this tool, VMware Workstation Pro, requires payment. If upgrading from a previous version, you’ll pay $79. You’ll have to pay $149 per device license for commercial use, which is pretty expensive. VMware Workstation Player: Plans and pricingĪs we’ve mentioned, you can download the non-commercial version of this software for free. But, you’ll need to pay for a license to use it commercially. The VMware Workstation Player is a virtual machine software (opens in new tab) platform that is available for personal use for free. In 2020, it dropped support for Windows 7, becoming available on only Windows 8 or higher (64-bit only) and the Linux operating system. In 2014, the VMware Workstation Player stopped supporting 32-bit computers following an update. A year later, it added defining features like a graphical user interface, drag-and-drop enhancements, and multiple-monitor display. It released the first bare-bones version of the Workstation Player in 2008. VMware is a well-known American cloud computing and virtualization technology company.

Vmware workstation player 15 cost