Run the installer you downloaded from the download page. There is no license key to enter on first launch — just choose the free use option and you are in.
Before you start
Check your PC meets the system requirements. Verify the SHA-256 checksum of the installer file before running it — see the verification guide for the exact commands.
Windows
Right-click the downloaded VMware-Workstation-Full-26H1-*.exe (or 25H2u1 / 25H2 / 17.6.4, whichever you chose) and select Run as administrator.
Accept the EULA, pick an install path, and let the installer add itself to PATH.
When prompted about Enhanced Keyboard Driver, accept it if you plan to capture key combinations like Ctrl+Alt+Del inside guests.
Reboot when the installer asks. No license key is required — Workstation Pro 26H1 (and 25H2) are free for personal and commercial use.
Launch VMware Workstation Pro and choose "Use Workstation Pro for free for personal/commercial use" on first launch.
Linux
Open a terminal in the folder containing the .bundle file.
Make it executable: chmod +x VMware-Workstation-Full-25H2-*.bundle
Run as root: sudo ./VMware-Workstation-Full-25H2-*.bundle
Accept the EULA prompts. The installer compiles vmmon and vmnet modules against your running kernel — install kernel headers first if it complains (apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r) on Debian/Ubuntu, dnf install kernel-devel kernel-headers on Fedora/RHEL).
Launch with vmware from any terminal. Pick the free option on first launch.
macOS (Fusion Pro)
Mount the .dmg by double-clicking, drag VMware Fusion to the Applications folder, and launch it from there. The first launch prompts for administrator credentials to install kernel extensions and the Networking framework. Apple Silicon users may need to grant Fusion accessibility permissions in System Settings › Privacy & Security.
After installation
On first launch, choose Use Workstation Pro for free for personal/commercial use. No license key is required. After the app opens, go to Help › Software Updates to confirm you are on the latest build. Then create your first virtual machine using the Create a New VM guide.
Uninstalling
On Windows, use Apps & Features (Settings) or the Control Panel to uninstall. On Linux, run sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation in a terminal. Your existing virtual machines (.vmx files and virtual disks) are not deleted by the uninstaller — move or delete them manually if needed.