Learn how to install VMware Tools on Ubuntu using three easy methods. Improve speed, display, and VM performance with detailed commands and clear steps. Our Live Support team is always here to help you.
Quick Guide to Install VMware Tools on Ubuntu
VMware Tools is a collection of utilities that makes your Ubuntu virtual machine perform like a real system. Once you install VMware Tools on Ubuntu, you’ll instantly notice smoother mouse movement, better graphics, and faster file transfers. It also keeps your VM clock synced with your host system and supports graceful shutdowns, reboots, and suspends directly from the VMware console.
Before moving ahead, ensure these are ready:
- VMware Workstation installed
- Ubuntu set up and running
- A user account with root or sudo rights
- Access to the terminal
Now, there are three practical ways to install VMware Tools on Ubuntu. Let’s look at each method closely.
An Overview
Using the Open VM Tools Package
This is the easiest and most recommended approach, especially for modern Ubuntu versions.
Step 1A: Open the terminal
For GUI-based Ubuntu, open the terminal from the sidebar or search bar, or press Ctrl + Alt + T.
Step 1B: Update package information
Before you install VMware Tools on Ubuntu, refresh your package list:
sudo apt-get updateYou’ll see “Done” once the update finishes.
Step 1C: Install for GUI-based Ubuntu
Then run this command:
sudo apt-get install open-vm-tools-desktopStep 1D: Install for terminal-based Ubuntu
For non-GUI systems, use:
sudo apt-get install open-vm-toolsOptional: Reboot your machine to apply changes:
sudo rebootInstalling VMware Tools via GUI
This method is perfect if you’re using VMware Workstation and prefer a visual interface.
Step 2A: Download VMware Workstation from the official VMware website.
Step 2B: Run the installer in the terminal. Replace $username with your actual username:
sudo bash /home/$username/Downloads/VMware-Player-Full-17.0.2-21581411.x86_64.bundleStep 2C: Proceed through the installation wizard and complete setup.
Step 2D: Open VMware Workstation from the applications menu.
Step 2E: Select Create a New Virtual Machine and attach an Ubuntu image.
Step 2F: If you don’t have one, download the Ubuntu ISO from the official site.
Step 2G: Once your VM is running, go to the Virtual Machine menu and click Install VMware Tools. This mounts a virtual CD inside Ubuntu.
Step 2H: In Ubuntu’s file manager, find the VMware Tools archive on the mounted drive. Right-click and choose Extract To.
Step 2I: Move to the extracted directory and run:
sudo ./vmware-install.pl -fStep 2J: Reboot to finish installation:
sudo rebootBoost Your VM Performance Now!
Using the Terminal to Install VMware Tools
Ideal for users running Ubuntu Server or without a GUI.
Step 3A: Mount the VMware Tools image manually:
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/cdrom
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt/cdromStep 3B: Open the mounted image:
cd /mnt/cdromStep 3C: Extract the archive. Replace $VMwareTools and $destination accordingly:
sudo tar -xf $VMwareTools.tar.gz -C /$destinationStep 3D: After that r n the installation:
sudo ./vmware-install.pl –fStep 3E: Restart the system:
sudo rebootInstalling Open-VM Tools on Ubuntu 24.04
Open-VM Tools is the open-source alternative that provides the same performance boost and compatibility with VMware.
For Desktop VMs:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktopThen, restart your VM.
For Server VMs:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install open-vm-toolsTo install the development version:
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-devFinally, check the version installed:
apt-cache policy open-vm-tools*Conclusion
Installing VMware Tools on Ubuntu is not just a recommendation, it’s essential for smooth performance and stability. With these three practical methods, you can enhance your Ubuntu VM for better display, faster operations, and improved integration with your host machine.
So, go ahead and install VMware Tools on Ubuntu today, it’s a quick upgrade that makes a big difference.
