VMware Player is a simplified version of virtualization software released by VMware. Compared to the full VMware Workstation, VMware Player is free for personal, non-commercial use and is much smaller and lighter in size. While older versions could only run existing virtual machines, VMware Workstation 17 Player now allows you to create your own brand-new virtual machines from scratch.
VMware Workstation 17 Player works perfectly with major Microsoft operating systems like Windows 11, 10, 7, Vista, and XP. It also supports many Linux-based systems such as CentOS, Alma Linux, Fedora, and Deepin. If you need a simple way to run another OS, feel free to download and use it!
Differences: VMware Workstation vs. VMware Player
1. Licensing and Cost
VMware Workstation: This is professional commercial software that requires a paid license to use.
VMware Player: Free for personal use. You can download and use it without needing to buy or enter a license key.
2. Features
VMware Workstation: A complete powerhouse with advanced features like "Snapshots" (saving the state of a VM to go back to later) and PXE support. It is built for heavy-duty virtual machine management.
VMware Player: A more basic version. While the newer versions can now create virtual machines, it still lacks the advanced features like Snapshots found in the full Workstation version.
3. Who it's for
VMware Workstation: Designed for IT professionals and students who need a high-performance environment for complex virtual desktop tasks.
VMware Player: Perfect for regular users or beginners. It has a simpler interface and uses fewer computer resources, making it easy for anyone to run a second operating system.