Installing VMware Tools or its open-source alternative, Open VM Tools, in a Linux virtual machine enhances performance and enables features like shared folders, seamless mouse integration, and improved graphics. The installation process varies slightly depending on your distribution.
Option 1: Install Open VM Tools (Recommended)
Most modern Linux distributions support open-vm-tools, which is the preferred method.
Debian-based distributions
sudo apt install open-vm-tools -yRed Hat-based distributions
sudo dnf install open-vm-tools -y
sudo yum install open-vm-tools -yArch-based distributions
sudo pacman -S open-vm-toolsopenSUSE-based distributions
sudo zypper install open-vm-tools -yEnable the service:
sudo systemctl enable --now vmtoolsdFor GUI-based VMs
Install open-vm-tools-desktop for better graphical integration:
Debian-based distributions
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop -yRed Hat-based distributions
sudo dnf install open-vm-tools-desktop -y
sudo yum install open-vm-tools-desktop -yArch-based distributions
sudo pacman -S open-vm-tools-desktopopenSUSE-based distributions
sudo zypper install open-vm-tools-desktopReboot your VM to apply changes:
sudo rebootOption 2: Install VMware Tools Manually
If you prefer the official VMware Tools package, follow these steps:
Step 1: Insert the VMware Tools CD Image
In VMware Workstation, go to VM then Install VMware Tools. If the option says Update VMware Tools or is grayed out, it means VMware Tools or Open VM Tools is already installed.
Step 2: Mount the CD Image
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mntStep 3: Copy the Installation Package
mkdir -p ~/Documents/VMware
cp /mnt/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz ~/Documents/VMwareStep 4: Extract the Package
tar -xzf ~/Documents/VMware/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz -C ~/Documents/VMwareStep 5: Run the Installer
cd ~/Documents/VMware/vmware-tools-distrib
sudo ./vmware-install.plFollow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 6: Restart the VM
sudo rebootFinal Result
After installation, your Linux VM will benefit from improved graphics, shared clipboard functionality, and folder sharing. These enhancements make your virtual machine more efficient and better integrated with VMware.
Whether you choose Open VM Tools or the official VMware Tools package, installing them ensures your Linux VM runs smoothly and delivers a more seamless virtualization experience.