How to Install Ubuntu in VMware Workstation on Windows (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Prerequisites

• VMware Workstation Pro/Player installed (Download)

• Ubuntu ISO file (Download)

• 20GB+ free disk space

• 4GB+ RAM recommended

• Virtualization enabled in BIOS (VT-x/AMD-V)

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Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VMware Workstation

2. Click "Create a New Virtual Machine" or File > New Virtual Machine

3. Select "Typical (recommended)" configuration

4. Choose "Installer disc image file (ISO)" and browse to your Ubuntu ISO

5. Click Next

Step 2: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

1. Enter a name for your VM (e.g., "Ubuntu 22.04")

2. Select a location to store the VM files

3. Set disk capacity (recommended: 20GB minimum)

4. Choose "Store virtual disk as a single file" for better performance

5. Click "Customize Hardware" to adjust:

   • Memory: 4096MB (4GB) or more

   • Processors: 2 or more cores

   • Network Adapter: NAT (recommended)

6. Click Finish

Step 3: Install Ubuntu

1. Power on the virtual machine

2. Select "Install Ubuntu" from the GRUB menu

3. Choose your language and click Continue

4. Select keyboard layout and click Continue

5. Choose installation type:

   • Normal installation (recommended for beginners)

   • Minimal installation (for advanced users)

   • Check "Install third-party software" for better hardware support

6. Select "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" (this only affects the virtual disk)

7. Click Install Now and confirm partitioning

8. Select your timezone

9. Create your user account:

   • Enter your name

   • Set computer name

   • Choose username

   • Create password

10. Wait for installation to complete (15-30 minutes typically)

Step 4: Post-Installation Setup

1. After installation completes, click "Restart Now"

2. Remove the installation ISO when prompted

3. Log in with your credentials

4. Install VMware Tools for better performance:

   • In VMware menu: VM > Install VMware Tools

   • Open terminal and run:

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     sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
     cd /mnt
     sudo ./vmware-install.pl

     Follow prompts (press Enter for defaults)

5. Update your system:

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   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 5: Essential Configuration

1. Adjust display resolution:

   • Right-click desktop > Display Settings

   • Select your preferred resolution

2. Install additional software:

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   sudo apt install git curl build-essential

3. Configure shared folders (optional):

   • VM > Settings > Options > Shared Folders

   • Add folder and enable auto-mount

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. VM won't start:

   • Verify virtualization is enabled in BIOS

   • Check ISO file integrity

   • Increase allocated memory

2. No internet connection:

   • Verify network adapter is set to NAT or Bridged

   • In Ubuntu: check ip a for network interfaces

3. Poor graphics performance:

   • Install VMware Tools

   • Increase video memory in VM settings

4. Keyboard/mouse not working properly:

   • Reinstall VMware Tools

   • Check input settings in VMware preferences

Next Steps After Installation

• Install your favorite applications:

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  sudo apt install vim code

• Learn basic terminal commands

• Set up development environments

• Explore Ubuntu's software center for GUI applications

Performance Optimization Tips

1. Allocate more CPU cores if your host system has resources

2. Enable 3D acceleration in VM settings for better graphics

3. Use fixed-size virtual disks for better performance

4. Take snapshots before major system changes

5. Consider increasing swap space if using memory-intensive applications