How to Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player On Windows 11 (2024)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player on a Windows 11 machine. This allows you to run Ubuntu as a virtual machine without the need for dual-booting, providing a flexible way to use both operating systems simultaneously.

Step 1: Download and Install VMware Workstation Player

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the VMware Workstation Player download page.
2. Click on "Download Now" and select the Windows version.
3. After the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2: Download Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO

1. Go to the Ubuntu website.
2. Click on the "Download 24.04 LTS" button. You may be prompted to provide your email, but you can skip this if you prefer.
3. Save the ISO file to a location on your computer that is easy to access.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VMware Workstation Player.
2. Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine".
3. Select "Installer disc image file (iso)" and click "Browse" to locate the Ubuntu ISO file you just downloaded.
4. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 4: Select Guest Operating System

1. Choose "Linux" as the guest operating system.
2. Select "Ubuntu 64-bit" as the version.
3. Click "Next" to continue.

Step 5: Name the Virtual Machine

1. Enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g., "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS").
2. Choose a location to store the virtual machine files or leave it as the default.
3. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 6: Specify Disk Capacity

1. Set the maximum disk size for the virtual machine. A minimum of 25 GB is recommended; however, you can set it to 100 GB for better performance.
2. Choose whether to store the virtual disk as a single file or split it into multiple files. Storing as a single file is usually more efficient.
3. Click "Next" to continue.

Step 7: Customize Hardware (Optional)

1. Click on "Customize Hardware" to adjust the virtual machine's hardware settings.
2. Allocate at least 2 GB of RAM for optimal performance. Adjust the number of CPU cores if necessary.
3. Click "Close" to save your settings, then click "Finish" to complete the virtual machine setup.

Step 8: Power On the Virtual Machine

1. Select your newly created virtual machine in VMware Workstation Player.
2. Click on "Play virtual machine" to boot from the Ubuntu ISO file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation process.

Step 9: Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

1. Select "Install Ubuntu" from the options.
2. Choose your desired language and keyboard layout.
3. Follow the prompts to set your installation preferences, including updates and third-party software.
4. Select "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" (only affects the virtual disk).
5. Complete the remaining prompts to create your user account and finalize the installation.

Step 10: Finalize Installation and Reboot

1. Once the installation is complete, restart the virtual machine when prompted.
2. Detach the installation media by navigating to "Player" > "Removable Devices" > "CD/DVD (SATA)" > "Disconnect" in the VMware menu.
3. Press "Enter" to reboot your virtual machine.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player in Windows 11. You can now explore and use Ubuntu alongside your Windows environment.

Conclusion

You have learned how to set up Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Player. This virtual environment allows you to experiment with Ubuntu without affecting your Windows installation. For further exploration, consider familiarizing yourself with Ubuntu’s desktop environment and applications. Don’t forget to check out more tutorials on using virtual machines and operating systems!