Buzz
If you want to experience Windows 11 on your computer but do not want to risk replacing your current stable Windows 10 version with a new operating system that you may not like after a trial period, you can use a virtual machine. A virtual machine allows you to simulate a PC but run it within a window on your main operating system. This article will guide you on how to install Windows 11 on VMware Workstation Player. Installing Win 11 on VMware will not affect your core system files. When not needed, you can easily uninstall it from your computer.
Guide to Install Win 11 on VMware Workstation
Step 1: Download and install VMware Workstation 16 Player from the provided download link below.
=> Download VMware
Before proceeding to install Windows 11 on VMware Workstation Player, your computer needs to meet the following requirements:
- 64-bit processor.
- CPU clock speed of 1.3 GHz or higher.
- 4 GB RAM or more.
- Running Windows 10 or Windows 8.
- 60 GB of free storage space.
- Virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
Step 1: Download and install VMware Workstation 16 Player from the provided download link below.
=> Download VMware
Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO from the provided download link below:
=> Download Windows 11 ISO
Step 3: Launch VMware Workstation 16 Player. If this is your first time opening this virtualization software, select Use VMware Workstation 16 Player for free for non-commercial use
Step 4: Next, click on Continue > Finish.
Step 5: Then, on the main screen of VMware, select Create a New Virtual Machine.
Step 6: Choose the Installer disk image file (iso) option and click on the Browse button to select the Windows 11 ISO file you recently downloaded. Once the ISO file has been added to the VMware virtual machine, click Next to proceed.
Step 7: In the next window, select Microsoft Windows under the Guest operating system.
Step 8: Choose Windows 10 x64 from the Version dropdown menu. Then, click the Next button.
Step 9: Name your virtual machine Windows 11 or any preferred name. Additionally, if needed, you can also change the installation location of the virtual machine or leave it at the default location. Once done, click the Next button.
Step 10: Now, specify the maximum disk size as 60 GB, or if your HDD/SSD allows, you can set it higher. Then, you can choose the Store virtual disk as a single file option to save the virtual disk as a single file or Split virtual disk into multiple files to divide the virtual disk into multiple files. Click Next to continue.
Step 11: The next screen displays all hardware-related information about your virtual machine. If satisfied with the current hardware, you can click the Finish button. Otherwise, you can click the Customize Hardware button to modify the hardware of your virtual machine.
- In the hardware customization window, increase the RAM to at least 4GB (4096MB), ideally 8GB for optimal use of Windows 11 on VMware Player. Click Close > Finish to proceed.
Step 12. Next, click on the option Play virtual machine.
Step 13: Now, the process of installing Windows 11 on VMware virtual machine will begin.
- Choose your language, time format, currency, and keyboard type. In most cases, you can leave the default settings unchanged and simply click the Next button.
- Tap on Get started now.
- Select I don't possess a product key at the next screen.
- Next, opt for Custom: Install Windows exclusively (advanced).
- Once completed, the virtual machine will auto-initiate. Follow on-screen instructions to finalize the setup of your new operating system.
Thus, this article has provided you with guidance on installing Windows 11 on a VMware virtual machine. Following the instructions above, you can commence exploring the features and enhancements that Windows 11 offers. Additionally, you can refer to How to Install Windows 11 without a USB on PC, Laptop here.
