VMware Workstation Pro
v26H1u1 (build 25688693)FreeReleased 3 Sept 2026
Professional desktop hypervisor for Windows and Linux, now completely free. By Broadcom Inc.
- Windows
- Linux
By the ToolsBharat teamUpdated 3 Sept 2026How we check
Quick answer
VMware Workstation Pro is free software for Windows and Linux from Broadcom Inc.. Professional desktop hypervisor for Windows and Linux, now completely free. Download it only from support.broadcom.com. The latest version we track is 26H1u1 (build 25688693) (3 Sept 2026). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- 26H1u1 (build 25688693) (3 Sept 2026)
- Publisher:
- Broadcom Inc.
- Official site:
- vmware.com
- Licence:
- Free — Free for commercial, educational and personal use (no licence key)
- Requirements:
- Windows or Linux host (64-bit)
Our verdict
Since November 2024, Broadcom has made Workstation Pro free for commercial, educational and personal use, with no licence key. It's a strong choice for running Windows, Linux or a Windows Server lab with good 3D support and networking options. The catch is the download: you must sign in to the Broadcom Support Portal with a free account and pick Workstation Pro under free downloads. Avoid 'cracked' or mirror copies; the official build is already free.
Key features
- Run multiple Windows and Linux VMs side by side
- Snapshots and clones
- Advanced virtual networking
- Connects to remote ESX hosts, including Arm-based hosts for basic tasks
Pros
- Pro: Free for all uses, including commercial
- Pro: Mature, polished hypervisor
- Pro: Native 64-bit Windows app from 26H1
Cons
- Con: Download needs a free Broadcom account
- Con: No official support tickets for free users
- Con: No macOS version (that's VMware Fusion)
What's new in 26H1u1 (build 25688693)
See what changed in 26H1u1 (build 25688693) in the official release notes
Version history
Version 26H1u1 (build 25688693)Latest
3 Sept 2026- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Official downloads by platform
For Windows, use the Download button. Other platforms go straight to the publisher's own page or official store.
Requirements
- OS
- Windows or Linux host (64-bit)
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Also needs
- Free Broadcom Support Portal account to download
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Free for commercial, educational and personal use (no licence key)
- Publisher
- vmware.com
Where these facts come from
- Workstation Pro 26H1u1 release notes
- VMware blog: Fusion and Workstation are now free for all users
- Broadcom Support Portal downloads
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
Is VMware Workstation Pro really free?
Yes. Broadcom's release notes say Workstation Pro is free for commercial, educational and personal use and no longer needs a licence key.
How do I download VMware Workstation Pro?
Sign in (or register for free) at the Broadcom Support Portal, open the free downloads for VMware Workstation Pro, choose the Windows or Linux version, accept the terms and download.
User reviews
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Alternatives
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)3.0.3 · Open sourceRun Ubuntu and other Linux distributions directly on Windows. Official No bundles
- Oracle VirtualBox7.2.22 · Open sourceFree, open-source virtual machines: try Linux or another Windows safely on your PC. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
VMware Workstation Pro
26H1u1 (build 25688693) · Not stated