New Update VMware Workstation 17.6 / 17.6.1

[silversurfer]

VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 | 03 SEP 2024 | Build 24238078​

What's New​

Introducing vmcli

• vmcli is a command-line tool included with VMware Workstation Pro, enabling users to interact with the hypervisor directly from a Linux or macOS terminal, or the Windows command prompt. With vmcli, you can perform a variety of operations such as creating new virtual machines, generating VM templates, powering on VMs, and modifying various VM settings. Additionally, you can also create scripts to run multiple commands sequentially. For more information, see Using VMware Workstation Pro.

New Guest Operating System Support

• Windows Server 2025
• Windows 11 Version 23H2
• Ubuntu 24.04
• Fedora 40

New Host Operating System Support

• Windows Server 2025
• Windows 11 Version 23H2
• Ubuntu 24.04
• Fedora 40

Product Support Notices​

• Legacy VMTools ISOs are no longer included by default but are available for download.
• Bluetooth hub passthrough support has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation.
• Physical host parallel ports support has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation for Windows.
• Unity mode has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation.
• The Enhanced Keyboard driver has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation

Known Issues​

CentOS 9 Stream with kernel versions later than 5.14.0-432 is not supported on Workstation Player 17.6 as a host

Workaround: None

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Inline product upgrade from versions earlier than 17.6 will not be automatic for Workstation Player on Windows Host

Due to the migration from VMware services to Broadcom, Workstation Player cannot automatically apply this upgrade.

Workaround: Download and install Workstation Player 17.6 from the Broadcom support portal.

---

The multi-monitor feature might not work correctly in specific topologies

In specific situations, based on different hardware and topologies, the multi-monitor feature does not work as expected. You might see issues like reverting the topology to a single screen, or not cycling through monitors

Workaround: None

VMware Workstation 17.6 Pro Release Notes

Keep up with what’s new, changed, and fixed in VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 by reading the release notes!

docs.vmware.com

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VMware Workstation Player 17.6 | 03 SEP 2024 | Build 24238078​

What's New​

New Guest Operating System Support

• Windows Server 2025
• Windows 11 Version 23H2
• Ubuntu 24.04
• Fedora 40

New Host Operating System Support

• Windows Server 2025
• Windows 11 Version 23H2
• Ubuntu 24.04
• Fedora 40

Product Support Notices​

• Legacy VMTools ISOs are no longer included by default but are available for download.
• Bluetooth hub passthrough support has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation.
• Physical host parallel ports support has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation for Windows.
• The Enhanced Keyboard driver has reached its end of life and has been removed from VMware Workstation for Windows.

Known Issues​

CentOS 9 Stream with kernel versions later than 5.14.0-432 is not supported on Workstation Player 17.6 as a host

Workaround: None

---

Inline product upgrade from versions earlier than 17.6 will not be automatic for Workstation Player on Windows Host

Due to the migration from VMware services to Broadcom, Workstation Player cannot automatically apply this upgrade.

Workaround: Download and install Workstation Player 17.6 from the Broadcom support portal.

---

The multi-monitor feature might not work correctly in specific topologies

In specific situations, based on different hardware and topologies, the multi-monitor feature does not work as expected. You might see issues like reverting the topology to a single screen, or not cycling through monitors

Workaround: None

VMware Workstation 17.6 Player Release Notes

Keep up with what’s new, changed, and fixed in VMware Workstation Player 17.6 by reading the release notes!

docs.vmware.com

 

[Bot]

The new VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 and Player 17.6 introduces vmcli, a command-line tool for interacting with the hypervisor. It supports new guest and host operating systems like Windows Server 2025, Windows 11 Version 23H2, Ubuntu 24.04, and Fedora 40. However, some features like Bluetooth hub passthrough, physical host parallel ports, Unity mode, and the Enhanced Keyboard driver have been removed. For more details, check the official [release notes](https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/17.6/rn/vmware-workstation-176-pro-release-notes/index.html).

 

[SeriousHoax]

Direct download link:

CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws

 

[Keyang556]

How to download the exe(not tar)?

 

[lokamoka820]

How to download the exe(not tar)?

You can use the Softpedia download:

https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/VMware-Player.shtml

 

[silversurfer]

How to download the exe(not tar)?

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
The exe is there included too inside the file tar: VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe.tar

 

[SeriousHoax]

You can use the Softpedia download:

https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/VMware-Player.shtml

This link for Softpedia would be a more accurate link for the Pro version which is now free:

https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/VMware-Workstation.shtml

 

[simmerskool]

This link for Softpedia would be a more accurate link for the Pro version which is now free:

https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/VMware-Workstation.shtml

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."
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...

 

[SeriousHoax]

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."
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...

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 Bookmark the official page that gave above for future downloading of new versions since that's the most reliable source.
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.

 

[simmerskool]

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 Bookmark the official page that gave above for future downloading of new versions since that's the most reliable source.
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.

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...

 

[simmerskool]

Still a little confused about VMware "free" I did DL VMware-workstation-17.6.0.24238078 the other day (probably from softpedia) but have not installed it yet. I see the Broadcom blog about Workstation Pro 17 now free for personal use, when I click the Broadcom link to DL it wants me to login, so I enter the user & pw I used to buy both v15 & 16 and it says "incorrect" so then I say forgot pw (although I haven't lost it) and enter my email & captcha and they email 6-digit security code (good for one try per email) enter it and it bounces me out again. WTF they say it is free but will not let previous paid users DL it? Starting to feel like Kaspersky dumping UltraAV. If I cannot DL from official source, why should I think that if I install it will NOT mess-up my 16.2.5...?? @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.
PS time to switch to VirtualBox?? chatGPT says VMware is more stable and more secure... I'm not a happy camper -- I expect stuff to work, especially when I paid or previous paid...

EDIT update after 30 min if mucking around Broadcom's website, I finally got logged in, it displays my VMware account, and it displayed the sha256 for v 17.6.0-24238078 and it does NOT match the hash of the file I downloaded from softpedia for the same version. Of course Broadcom is NOT letting me DL I get a popup that says "screening required" WOW
has anyone downloaded the free 17.6 from official Broadcom?? (sorta like a nightmare)

 

[bazang]

When I click the Broadcom link to DL it wants me to login, so I enter the user & pw I used to buy both v15 & 16 and it says "incorrect" so then I say forgot pw (although I haven't lost it) and enter my email & captcha and they email 6-digit security code (good for one try per email) enter it and it bounces me out again. WTF they say it is free but will not let previous paid users DL it?

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:

Registration

profile.broadcom.com

Everything that used to work for VMWare, such as the VMWare Communities \ Forums, Support, etc - all those credentials no longer work. Have to re-register. Hey, at least you don't have to pay $200 USD now for VMWare Workstation.

 

[simmerskool]

ok UPDATE > Broadcom wanted my dna or something... after finally getting into my vmware_broadcom account mucking around inordinate-unnecessary amount of time IMO I finally got their DL 17.6 -> the hash of the file I downloaded does match what they posted as the correct 256, but does not match softpedia hash. I haven't try to install it yet, unless there's a hack could be the softpedia is FREE and file I was provided and downloaded says "FULL" -- perhaps FULL means "commercial" and they are trying to make me pay for it since I paid in the past...?? All I was trying to do was to DL the "free" for personal use version which required a login or a registration.

VMware Workstation Pro: Now Available Free for Personal Use

VMware Desktop Hypervisor products Fusion and Workstation are used by millions of people every day to run virtual machines on their Windows, Linux and Mac computers. They give users the ability to quickly and easily build “local virtual” environments to install other operating systems, learn...

blogs.vmware.com

VMware 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

VMware Workstation for Windows

Software for developers and system administrators for software development, testing and deployment.

www.techspot.com

e34461ffbcb38ca7baa7928f7f37575ef31129961099eae96b43a64b06462778 (matching)

 

[simmerskool]

Your prior VMWare account logon credentials will not work on the new Broadcom web platform. The dumb a z z e s don't make this infos readily and clearly available. You have to re-register on the Broadcom platform at this page:

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...

 

[silversurfer]

VMware 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

VMware Workstation for Windows

Software for developers and system administrators for software development, testing and deployment.

www.techspot.com

e34461ffbcb38ca7baa7928f7f37575ef31129961099eae96b43a64b06462778 (matching)

@simmerskool
I just used the direct download link kindly shared in post #3 by @SeriousHoax
Download link => CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws but there you have to select first the latest version and later for "Windows"

Finally, you will downloading a packed file .tar (VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe.tar) then just unpack it to get the installer as .exe (see link below)

CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws/17.6.0/24238078/windows/core

VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe | SHA-256: 7c49d153601acc7592c7dd9c36f0ccd886c1faee727704eec884c522714b5d55

 

[bazang]

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...

This is good infos. Thank You.

So old VMWare account login credentials can still work, but only after additional confirmations with Broadcom support?

 

[simmerskool]

@simmerskool
I just used the direct download link kindly shared in post #3 by @SeriousHoax
Download link => CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws but there you have to select first the latest version and later for "Windows"

Finally, you will downloading a packed file .tar (VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe.tar) then just unpack it to get the installer as .exe (see link below)

CDS Repository - /var/www/public/stage/session-50/cds/vmw-desktop/ws/17.6.0/24238078/windows/core

VMware-workstation-17.6.0-24238078.exe | SHA-256: 7c49d153601acc7592c7dd9c36f0ccd886c1faee727704eec884c522714b5d55

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...

 

[simmerskool]

This is good infos. Thank You.

So old VMWare account login credentials can still work, but only after additional confirmations with Broadcom support?

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.

 

[simmerskool]

(fwiw) I installed (upgraded) to Workstation 17.6.0 with the exe I downloaded from broadcom_vmware_myaccount, and it installed ok but did require an "extra" reboot to "finish installing Microsoft VC Redistributable..." and then I had to restart the exe again after reboot to finish the installation. During install it gave me the option to input a license or use for personal use, same option is seen in About.
fwiw2 Virustotal \vmware.exe 1/73 Jiangmin finds Backdoor.Remcos.eak.
hybrid-analysis says no specific threat

 

[silversurfer]

VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.1 | 10 OCT 2024 | Build 24319023​

What's New​

• VMware Workstation 17.6.1 Pro provides various bug fixes requested by customers.

---

Known Issues​

• The multi-monitor feature might not work correctly in specific topologies
  
  In specific situations, based on different hardware and topologies, the multi-monitor feature does not work as expected. You might see issues like reverting the topology to a single screen, or not cycling through monitors
  
  Workaround: None.

VMware Workstation 17.6.1 Pro Release Notes

Keep up with what’s new, changed, and fixed in VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.1 by reading the release notes!

docs.vmware.com

Direct download link: CDS Repository - /build/mts/release/bora-24319023/publish/cds/vmw-desktop/ws/17.6.1/24319023/windows/core

---

​

VMware Workstation Player 17.6.1 | 10 OCT 2024 | Build 24319023​

VMware Workstation 17.6.1 Player Release Notes

Keep up with what’s new, changed, and fixed in VMware Workstation Player 17.6.1 by reading the release notes!

docs.vmware.com