As of May 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is available for free for personal use. Broadcom, which acquired VMware, changed the licensing model to simplify access for home users and students, meaning you no longer need to search for unofficial or "free" license keys for Workstation Pro. Licensing Guide for VMware Workstation
Purchase Directly: The most straightforward way is to buy a license directly from VMware or an authorized reseller.
- Download the trial:
https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-pro.html - Install and activate with a temporary license (no payment info required).
- Post-trial actions:
Option A: VMware Workstation Player (Free for Personal Use)
VMware offers Workstation Player (formerly Player Pro) completely free for personal, non-commercial use. The latest version supports running one virtual machine at a time, with features like:
- Trojanized keygens – that “generate” keys but install backdoors.
- Cracked .exe files – modified to disable Windows Defender and deliver remote access tools (RATs).
- Fake license managers – that demand admin rights and encrypt your files (ransomware).
- Key generators: Key generators claim to generate valid license keys, but they often produce fake or invalid keys.
- Cracked software: Some websites offer cracked versions of VMware Workstation 16.2.3, which may include a "free" license key.
- Free trial extensions: Some websites offer free trial extensions, which may provide a temporary license key.
For Business or Commercial Use
- Limitations:
still list legacy keys for version 16.x, these are largely unnecessary given the current free availability of the most up-to-date versions. Broadcom support portal How to Access the Official Free Version