A 10 step Beginner's Guide to Creating Virtual Machines with VMware

In this post let us talk about creating a virtual machines (VMs) with a straightforward guide for beginners. If you are an IT professional starting your virtualization journey, creating a VM has never been easier. Let me walk you through the process step by step, using VMware Workstation Player as our tool of choice.

Getting Started with VMware Workstation Player

Step 1: Download and Install VMware Workstation Player

The first thing you'll need is VMware Workstation Player. You can easily download it from the official VMware website. Once downloaded, installing the software is a breeze – just follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Launch VMware Workstation Player

After installation, open the VMware Workstation Player application. You'll find a user-friendly interface that's ready for your virtualization adventures.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Click on "File" in the menu bar.

Select "New Virtual Machine."

Step 4: VM Creation Wizard

A wizard will guide you through the VM creation process. Here's what to do. Choose "Typical" for the configuration type and click "Next." This option provides a straightforward setup.

Step 5: Guest Operating System

Now, it's time to specify the operating system for your VM. Select the source for your operating system. You can install from a physical disc, use an ISO file, or even browse for a bootable image. Click "Next."

Step 6: Name and Location

Give your VM a meaningful name, and decide where you want to store the VM files. This step is important for organization and easy access. Click "Next" after naming your VM and setting the storage location.

Step 7: Disk Size

Determine the disk size for your VM. You can choose to store the virtual disk as a single file or split it into multiple files. This depends on your preference and available disk space. Click "Next" after specifying the disk size.

Step 8: Ready to Create VM

Review all your VM settings to ensure they're just right so double-check everything and click "Finish."

Step 9: Install the Operating System

Now comes the exciting part:

Power on your VM. Follow the prompts to install your chosen guest operating system.

Step 10: Install VMware Tools (Optional)

For an even smoother experience, consider installing VMware Tools:

After successfully installing the guest OS, you can opt to install VMware Tools for improved performance and seamless integration with the host system.

And there you have it – your very own virtual machine, up and running! With VMware Workstation Player, creating and managing VMs has never been more accessible.

Remember, experimentation is key to mastering virtualization, so don't hesitate to explore and learn. Happy virtualizing!