VMware Workstation Pro

Run multiple virtual machines easily

VMware Workstation Pro is a popular hypervisor software designed to let you set up and run virtual machines together with your host, or the actual machine you’re using. This productivity tool is important for software testers and professionals in the IT industry. With this software, you can run different virtual computers—each with unique operating systems and running apps—and more.

Aside from its user-intuitive features, VMware Workstation Pro is a trusted solution thanks to its advanced capabilities regarding VM configuration, as well as VM management, bridging, and support for snapshots. For alternatives, Parallels Workstation or VirtualBox offer free trials.

Your one-stop-shop for VR requirements

VMware Workstation Pro lets you run virtual machines, which can be thought of as simulations of actual computer systems. Aside from the one you’re using, you can also set up multiple VMs with different scenarios, configurations, and even operating systems, each running in its own self-contained spaces. Some of its key features include drivers for emulated hardware, letting you enjoy input controls, displays, and audio comparable to their physical counterparts.

The application also lets you connect network adapters and storage media between your host machine and its virtual machines. This app also can take snapshots, or save the state of a VM at a given time. You can load them back anytime without severe lags or spikes. For organizational purposes, you can sort and group multiple VMs, making it easy to organize and navigate many VMs in a system.

However, while using the program is easy and intuitive, troubleshooting is a different matter. Users have reported serious lags or even unresponsiveness from the software, owing to a variety of possible causes. From VM misconfiguration and host system driver conflicts to the host PC simply not being powerful enough, the sudden freezing of the software often leaves no other choice but to restart.

A powerful yet potentially overwhelming hypervisor

VMware Workstation Pro offers a comprehensive solution for managing virtual machines with features like hardware emulation, network connectivity, and snapshot capabilities. It enables seamless setup and organization of multiple VMs, enhancing productivity. However, users may encounter performance issues, such as lags or unresponsiveness, which can stem from misconfigurations or inadequate host system resources. Despite these challenges, it remains a robust tool for VR and virtualization needs.