VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player, formerly VMware Player, is a discontinued virtualization software package for x64 computers running Microsoft Windows or Linux, supplied free of charge by VMware, Inc. VMware Player could run existing virtual appliances and create its own virtual machines (which require that an operating system be installed to be functional). It used the same virtualization core as VMware Workstation, a similar program with more features, which became available free of charge for personal, but not commercial, use in 2024. VMware Player was available for personal non-commercial use, or for distribution or other use by written agreement. VMware, Inc. did not formally support Player, but there was an active community website for discussing and resolving issues, and a knowledge base. The free VMware Player was distinct from VMware Workstation until Player v7, Workstation v11. In 2015 the two packages were combined as VMware Workstation 12, with a free for non-commercial use restricted Player version which, on purchase of a license code, either became the higher-specification VMware Workstation Pro, or allowed commercial use of Player. VMware Workstation Player was discontinued as a separate product in May 2024 when VMware Workstation Pro, which includes Player, became free for personal use. Commercial users of Player could continue to use it until the end of the active support term.