License VMware Workstation Player/Pro

Products

• VMware Desktop Hypervisor
• VMware Workstation Pro 15.x (for Windows)
• VMware Workstation Pro
• VMware Workstation 16.x Pro (for Windows)
• VMware Workstation 17.x Pro (for Windows)
• VMware Workstation 7 (for Linux)
• VMware Workstation 10.x (for Linux)

Issue/Introduction

This article provides steps to license VMware Workstation Player/Pro.

Environment

VMware Workstation Player 15.x (Windows) VMware Workstation 9.x (Linux) VMware Workstation 7.x (Linux) VMware Workstation 8.x (Linux) VMware Workstation Pro 14.x (for Linux) VMware Workstation 11.x (for Linux) VMware Workstation 10.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 12.x (Linux) VMware Workstation Pro 15.x (Linux)

VMware Workstation 7.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 12.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 14.x (for Windows) VMware Workstation 10.x (Linux) VMware Workstation Player 15.x (Linux) VMware Workstation 11.x (for Windows) VMware Workstation 9.x (Windows) VMware Workstation 8.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 15.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 16.x (Windows) VMware Workstation Pro 17.x (Windows)

Resolution

As of May 6th 2024 Workstation Pro is now free after registering for a customer account at support.broadcom.com and downloading the latest version. For more information: VMware Workstation Pro: Now Available Free for Personal Use

Note: There will be no option to enter a license key in the latest version of VMware Workstation Pro. To manage your entitlements, visit https://support.broadcom.com or contact Global Customer Care. See Creating and managing Broadcom support cases

To license VMware Workstation (Legacy versions):

1. Launch VMware Workstation.
2. Click Help.
3. Click Enter Serial Number and enter the license key.
   
   Note: The license key for VMware Workstation 7.x and above is a 25-digit alpha-numeric code that works for both the Windows and Linux versions of VMware Workstation. 
    
4. Click OK.
5. Click Register to register the VMware Workstation or Close to register later.
   
   Note: Registering VMware Workstation provides you with the latest information and announcements about VMware products and services, as well as 30 days of complimentary web-based support.
    
6. Product registration occurs automatically at the time of purchase for all VMware products. 
    
   • If the licenses are purchased recently and you do not have them under your account, contact your SU/PC.
   • Desktop products, such as VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation, purchased online do not require manual registration.
     
     Note: You can, however, activate your Fusion or Workstation software without registering the license keys. 

To check your License status, go to Help > About > License Information.

Additional Information

Notes:

• For related information, see VMware Workstation FAQs and System Requirements.
• When purchased, you cannot get a refund for non-defective software.