A2oz

How Do I Install VMware Tools on My VM?

Published in Virtualization 3 mins read

Installing VMware Tools within your virtual machine (VM) enhances the interaction between your VM and the host machine, enabling seamless integration and improved performance. Here's how to install VMware Tools:

1. Access the VM's Operating System

  • Open your VMware Workstation or vSphere client.
  • Power on the VM you want to install VMware Tools on.
  • Log in to the VM's operating system.

2. Mount the VMware Tools ISO Image

  • Locate the VMware Tools ISO image. It's usually found in the VM's settings or within the VMware Workstation installation directory.
  • Depending on your VM's operating system, mount the ISO image:
    • Windows: Double-click the ISO file.
    • Linux: Use the mount command. For example, sudo mount -t iso9660 -o loop /path/to/VMwareTools.iso /mnt/cdrom.
    • macOS: Open the Disk Utility application and mount the ISO image.

3. Run the VMware Tools Installation Wizard

  • Navigate to the mounted directory.
  • Run the VMware Tools installation wizard.
    • Windows: Double-click the setup.exe file.
    • Linux: Run the installer script. For example, sudo ./vmware-install.pl.
    • macOS: Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Follow the Installation Instructions

  • The installation wizard will guide you through the process.
  • Accept the license agreement and choose the desired installation options.
  • Once the installation is complete, reboot the VM.

5. Verify VMware Tools Installation

  • After rebooting, check if the VMware Tools are installed correctly.
  • Look for any new features or options related to VMware Tools, such as:
    • Improved guest resolution: The VM's screen resolution should now match the host machine's resolution.
    • Shared folders: You should be able to access shared folders from the host machine within the VM.
    • Drag-and-drop functionality: You should be able to drag and drop files between the host and VM.

6. Uninstall VMware Tools (If Necessary)

  • If you need to uninstall VMware Tools, follow the standard uninstall process for your VM's operating system.
  • In Windows, use the Control Panel to uninstall programs.
  • In Linux, use the appropriate package manager to remove the VMware Tools package.
  • In macOS, use the Applications folder to uninstall the VMware Tools application.

Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your VMware product and the guest operating system.

Related Articles