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VMware Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro are free for personal use, commercial customers still need a license
Workstation Player and Fusion Player will be discontinued
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Published onMay 15, 2024
published onMay 15, 2024
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If you use VMwareWorkstation Proon Windows or Linux or theFusion Proon macOS, there’s good news. The two products are now absolutely free for personal use after VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom!
However, users who need the software for work will need a commercial license.
In theofficial blog,Michael Royfrom VMware, announcing the change and highlighting the reasons behind it, says,
The products, VMwareWorkstation ProandFusion Pro, will now have two license models, a free option for personal use and a paid one for commercial use. The two software are now available for free download on Broadcom’s website.
Trying to download them for VMware’s official website led us to the message,VMware Store Down for Maintenance. Seems like the transition to Broadcom’s system is not yet complete!
As for the commercial license, VMware introduced a newVMware Desktop Hypervisorthat reduces the group offerings to a single SKU. It’s a subscription-based plan priced at $120 per year, significantly lower than earlier!
VMware discontinues Workstation Player and Fusion Player
Citing the recent changes in pricing models, VMware has decided to discontinueWorkstation PlayerandFusion Player, and the two are no longer available for purchase.
Those who have theFusion Playersoftware for personal use can upgrade to theProversion for free. You only need to update toFusion 13.5.2and delete any saved license key. As for theWorkstation Player, you will have to download the Pro version separately from Broadcom’s website.
VMware has also confirmed that the two subscriptions, free and paid, don’t differ in terms of functionality. So, even if you are a free user who works on VMwareWorkstation ProorFusion Profor everyday tasks, you won’t miss out on anything.
Since we are on the subject, do check out our top picks forWindows 11 virtual machines. VMware, of course, makes it to the list!
Aren’t you excited that VMwareWorkstation ProandFusion Proare now free? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:vmware,VMware Workstation
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
