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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

VMware Workstation Pro is a robust desktop virtualization platform that enables users to run multiple operating systems at once on a single computer. Designed for developers, IT professionals, and system administrators, it provides a secure, efficient space for testing, development, and network simulation across Windows, Linux, and older systems, ensuring flexibility and performance for modern and legacy workflows.

VMware Workstation Pro delivers powerful virtualization for developers, testers, and IT professionals. It supports multiple operating systems simultaneously, offering stable performance, advanced networking options, and snapshot management. The program’s efficient resource handling ensures smooth operation even when running demanding workloads across different environments. The program’s compatibility across platforms makes it a dependable choice for cross-environment testing and educational use.

Efficient virtualization with broad system support

VMware Workstation Pro excels in performance consistency, offering near-native speeds for most supported operating systems. Hardware acceleration through Intel VT-x and AMD-V technologies ensures responsive multitasking, even under heavy workloads. It supports high-resolution displays, USB devices, and virtual TPM modules, improving security and usability.

Beyond simple OS emulation, this software enables users to build isolated virtual labs and accurately simulate intricate IT infrastructures with ease. Features such as linked clones, advanced network simulation, and snapshot management streamline testing and maintenance tasks. Integration with external development and automation tools boosts workflow efficiency, allowing teams to securely test and refine applications before deployment on production environments.

While robust and dependable, the software still requires considerable hardware system resources, especially when operating several virtual machines simultaneously. Licensing expenses can be high for casual users or smaller teams looking for a more economical option. In addition, certain advanced enterprise capabilities remain exclusive to higher-tier VMware products, which may restrict flexibility for users relying entirely on local desktop environments.

  • Pros

    • Excellent performance and stability
    • Broad OS compatibility
    • Advanced networking and snapshot tools
    • Seamless integration with VMware ecosystem
  • Cons

    • High system resource usage
    • Some advanced features locked to enterprise versions

Bottom Line

Reliable virtualization for power users

VMware Workstation Pro remains one of the most trusted and versatile solutions for professional virtualization. Its balanced combination of performance, customization, and stability ensures it meets the needs of IT professionals, educators, and developers alike. Although resource-intensive, its deep functionality, consistent updates, and proven reliability make it an essential cornerstone for secure, efficient, and scalable virtual environment management across diverse computing setups.

What’s new in version 15.5.5

  • Improved Windows 11 and Linux kernel support
  • Enhanced virtual TPM 2.0 integration
  • Better 3D graphics acceleration performance
  • Updated networking and USB device compatibility


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
15.5.5
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10
Additional Requirements
None
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
543,874
Downloads Last Week
35

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Last Updated


User Reviews

3.8/5

28 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Run multiple operating systems concurrently on a single PC.
VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Workstation Player are the industry standard for running multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single PC. Thousands of IT professionals, developers and businesses use Workstation Pro and Workstation Player to be more agile, more productive and more secure every day. With over 15 years of virtualization leadership, millions of satisfied customers, and more than 50 awards, VMware provides the most stable and secure desktop virtualization platform in the industry.

Workstation products allows users to run multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows and more, as virtual machines on a single PC. Users can replicate server, desktop and tablet environments on a virtual machine, to run applications simultaneously across operating systems without rebooting. Workstation also provides an isolated and safe environment to evaluate new operating systems like Windows 10 and test software applications, patches and reference architectures.

Workstation products make it easy to test almost any operating system and application, all from a local PC. Build apps for Windows 10, test compatibility with any browser, or deploy Android-x86 to check mobile behavior without needing a mobile device. IT pros use Workstation products to securely connect with vSphere, ESXi or other Workstation servers to manage virtual machines and physical hosts. A common hypervisor platform maximizes agility and productivity by enabling easy transfer of virtual machines to and from your local PC. Isolate corporate desktops from BYO devices by disabling copy-and-paste, drag-and-drop, shared folders and access to USB devices. Run restricted virtual machines that are encrypted and password-protected, ensuring that only authorized users can interact with corporate date.


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