The direct download link @SeriousHoax kindly shared CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws/17.6.0/24238078/windows/core
This link for Softpedia would be a more accurate link for the Pro version which is now free:
I am not up to speed on the VMware free situation, I am running Workstation Pro 16.2.5 paid. The fine print at Softpedia says something about "you are downloading a Trial version of this app."
What you can do to verify is that download the tar from the official site, extract it and then download the softpedia exe. Now compare the hash and if both are the same then you're good to go. Nothing to worrry about your paid licenseI am not up to speed on the VMware free situation, I am running Workstation Pro 16.2.5 paid. The fine print at Softpedia says something about "you are downloading a Trial version of this app."
So this free version will install over (into) my 16.2.5 paid version and that's all there is to it. I'm a little apprehensive...
Bookmark the official page that gave above for future downloading of new versions since that's the most reliable source.
Big thanks for this feedback! Yes was worried about the license. I had no urgent need to update to v17 since my hardware keeps me in win10 (absent some hacks) and then I got a few emails from Broadcom about support or lack of support. I was preoccupied with some health issues and didn't follow thru with Broadcom. Some disappointment with them as VMware gave me very good support when I purchased v16 @$199 (IIRC). I just don't want to break what seems to be working good here, but also I do not like running outdated software, so I will read some more and run 17.6 this weekend and cross my fingers...What you can do to verify is that download the tar from the official site, extract it and then download the softpedia exe. Now compare the hash and if both are the same then you're good to go. Nothing to worrry about your paid license
Softpedia probably hasn't updated their page since the change. I didn't fully download the softpedia exe but I triggered a download last night to check & and compare the size of the exe to the official one and they were the same.
@SeriousHoax you said you compared hashes, can you post hash? I believe you that they match, but too important for me, need to use due diligence.
Your prior VMWare account logon credentials will not work on the new Broadcom web platform. The d...... a....... don't make this infos readily and clearly available. You have to re-register on the Broadcom platform at this page:
blogs.vmware.com
www.techspot.com
interesting in that eventually I FINALLY did get into my previous paid account but then they wanted more info from me which I provided. In fairness, I vaguely recall they sent me an email awhile back telling me to do x y or z but I was preoccupied at the time healthwise and ignored them) Before releasing 17.6 they wanted to confirm I was in US due to restrictions on using VMware in certain foreign locations. Even after I got into my account, no easy feat, their website was more like a puzzle and with no solution. I have not read much about Broadcom buying VMw, so any sense that VMw will continue to be developed & improved, or who knows...
@simmerskoolVMware Workstation Pro for Personal Use (For Windows)(as displayed myacct Broadcom)
VMware-workstation-full-17.6.0-24238078.exe(447.97 MB) Build Number: 24238078 Aug 28, 2024 03.44AM
e34461ffbcb38ca7baa7928f7f37575ef31129961099eae96b43a64b06462778 > displayed myacct Broadcom (VT says clean valid signature)
C:\Users\******\Downloads\VMware-workstation-full-17.6.0-24238078.exe
e34461ffbcb38ca7baa7928f7f37575ef31129961099eae96b43a64b06462778 (matching)
...
but from softpedia
VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe
7c49d153601acc7592c7dd9c36f0ccd886c1faee727704eec884c522714b5d55 > hash softpedia DL (VT says 1/66 valid signature)
In the past, VMware installed with NO hitches, clean and fast for a complex program, this version is 448 mb. I am going to step away from computer for awhile...
EDIT UPDATE techspot is offering the same matching hash that I got directly from my vmware-broadcom acount
e34461ffbcb38ca7baa7928f7f37575ef31129961099eae96b43a64b06462778 (matching)VMware Workstation for Windows
Software for developers and system administrators for software development, testing and deployment.
This is good infos. Thank You.
interesting... so your hash from CDS matches the 17.6 I downloaded from softpedia on 03 Sep, but the "full" DL I have from broadcom-vmware-my account matches what I download and what is also offered at techspot. (perhaps some minor change between 03 Sep & 24 Sep?? although file version numbers are the same) I haven't installed 17.6 yet, expect to do so later today (or next day or two) - I will use the "full" version I got directly from my broadcom account yesterday. Once installed perhaps we can compare differences if any, if any are noticeable. Not having heard to the contrary, I assume your installs of 17.6.0 went smoothly...
well I would say that seems accurate or semi-accurate, me getting into my (previous) original account was beyond complicated. It is as if they designed their website to keep people out. Sorry I don't recall all the steps I cussed thru to get to myaccount page. No direct interaction with them or their chat or even the popup link to use if you cannot login. I went around in circles for about 45 min. Then it let me change my pw on my original account user email, but how I got to that point, unclear. Most often said by me, "WTF!!" in a loud voice.
