In this article, we have shared the manual VMware Tools download links for Windows, Linux, or macOS guest operating systems that you have installed on your host computer using one of the VMware Workstations, VMware Fusion, or ESXi virtualization software.
How to Manually Download VMware Tools ISO/EXE for Windows, Linux, and macOS Virtual Machines
To increase the performance of the virtual machines you have installed on your host computer or to transfer files between the host and the VM, you need to install VMware Tools. Installing the drivers for the guest operating systems you have established with VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, or vSphere ESXi enables features such as better mouse experience or fitting screen resolution to full screen.
To install the drivers for a Windows, Linux, or macOS guest operating system installed on the virtual machine, click VM / Install VMware Tools from the tool menu. You do not need to download this package because it is integrated into Workstation and Fusion programs.
What’s the Benefit of Installing Virtual Machine Tools?
- It fixes the low video resolution issues.
- It improves insufficient color depth.
- It fixes the issue where the network speed is displayed incorrectly.
- It improves restricted mouse movement.
- It enables copy-paste and drag-and-drop for files.
- It fixes the missing sound issue.
- It enables snapshots of the guest operating system to be taken.
- It synchronizes the clock on the guest operating system with the host.
- It installs the hardware drivers of the virtual machine.
- It allows you to use the virtual machine in full-screen mode.
Download for Windows Guest Operating Systems
It is possible to manually download VMware Tools to update or install the drivers of all Windows guest machines you have installed on your host computer using one of the virtualization software.
After visiting the web page containing the latest version of VM Tools tools by clicking the button below, you can manually download the 32-bit or 64-bit or ISO file to your computer according to the architectural platform of the system you have installed.
Download
Download for Linux Guest Operating Systems
The VMware company allowed the downloading of virtual machine drivers for Linux guest machines as tar.gz file extensions on its official website. However, the company has changed the decision to download this file for Linux systems, suggesting that it be followed on its GitHub page.
To install the drivers for Linux guest operating systems more efficiently, click Install VMware Tools from the tool menu of the virtualization software. However, installing VM Tools on Linux machines instead of Windows guest machines can be a bit difficult. Therefore, you can install the drivers for your Ubuntu virtual machine by visiting this article that will guide you.
You can manually download the tar.gz extension package to your computer after visiting the Open VMware Tools for Linux webpage, which is constantly updated on GitHub, by clicking the button below.
Download
VMware Tools (Darwin.iso) for macOS Guest Operating Systems
What is Darwin.iso?
Due to situations arising from Apple’s agreements with VMware, installing macOS systems using Workstation software on Windows platforms is not officially supported. However, installing the macOS operating system using VMware Fusion on a Mac computer is formally endorsed.
Therefore, the Darwin.iso file from Fusion software is needed to install drivers for macOS guest machines on Windows or other platforms.
After installing your macOS guest machine, you can install the integrated VMware tools in the virtualization software on your guest system. You don’t need to download VMware tools externally. Still, it is recommended that newer versions be installed as the Darwin.iso file is updated when newer Fusion software versions are released.
In addition, you can install the drivers of macOS guest machines on ESXi server virtualization platforms with the VMware Tools inside using the Darwin.iso file.
Download the Latest Darwin.iso for macOS
You can download the latest Darwin.iso 13.0.0 file published by Fusion in the folder we shared on Google Drive by clicking the button below.
Download
Conclusion
To summarize, you can increase the performance of your virtual machines thanks to VMware Tools. Therefore, you both improve the user experience and increase the functionality. Under normal circumstances, when you install a guest system, the video resolution will be problematic. But by downloading this tool, you can adjust display settings and enable things like file transfer as well.
In some cases, you fix the network experience of virtual machines. In short, you should get VMware Tools to maximize the capabilities of your virtual environment. As a result, keep in mind that you should always install the latest version of guest software.
TolgaBagci
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VMware Tools: A VMWare Must Have Addon
VMware Workstation is a powerful desktop virtualization software that lets you run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single Windows or Linux PC, it’s also now free. Which is awesome. If you run VMware Workstation, you will want to download and install VMware tools. VMware Tools isn’t some random add-on; it’s the performance boost your virtual machines need on day one. Without it, your VM runs, but with it, your VM runs right. Think of VMware Tools as the driver pack and integration layer that turns a basic guest OS into a smooth, responsive part of your system.
The odd thing is that it doesn’t ship with VMware, despite being developed by the manufacturer of VMware. There was an option to install it in the VMware Workstation software, which is broken as of this publication, and people have been trying to figure out how to get the software since. Don’t panic; we did the work! You can still get a copy and install it yourself. #GeekPower!
What Does VMware Tools Do?
VMware Tools is a suite of add-ons that make VMWare better, less annoying, and more worth using.
Mouse and Display Integration
: No more dragging your cursor and getting stuck in the VM window. With Tools installed, your mouse moves between guest and host like they’re part of the same screen. It also supports dynamic screen resizing and multiple monitors. Just resize the VM window, and your guest OS will automatically adjust.
Copy, Paste, and Drag-and-Drop
: Move files and text between your physical machine and the virtual one easily. Clipboard sharing works both ways. You can even drag files directly from the desktop to the VM. Super handy for testing, development, or everyday use.
Improved Performance
: VMware Tools adds optimized drivers, so your virtual hardware behaves like it should. This includes video acceleration, improved disk and network handling, and smoother graphics overall.
Time Sync Between Host and Guest
: Your guest OS automatically syncs its clock with your main system. No more time drift during long-running VMs or snapshots.
Shared Folders
: Set up shared folders between host and guest for quick file access without needing cloud sync or FTP. Perfect for working on code, sharing documents, or transferring files without networking headaches.
Faster Shutdown and Reboots
: It enables clean shutdown, restart, suspend, and resume actions straight from your host system’s interface—there is no need to go inside the VM to hit shutdown manually.
Enhanced Guest Metrics
: Running VMs in a server or enterprise environment? Tools feed detailed performance and health data back to vSphere or your hypervisor dashboard. Helps with monitoring, automation, and resource management.
Full Screen Mode with VMware Tools
: Once VMware Tools is installed, your Windows guest OS can properly detect and adjust to dynamic screen sizes, including full screen. That means your guest display resolution updates automatically to match when you hit Full Screen (Ctrl+Alt+Enter) or drag your VM window to a new size. No more scrolling around or seeing black borders. Without VMware Tools? You’reYou’re stuck with fixed resolutions, limited display scaling, and a VM that refuses to stretch its legs, which sucks.
How to Install VMWare Tools
Well, since VMware no longer natively supports the installation, we will need to work around it. You will need to:
1. Download the correct file: 64-bit for modern PCs or x86 for older VMs.
2. Copy that download into a USB drive.
3. Open VMware and fire up the VM you want to install.
4. Mount the USB drive in your VM
5. Navigate to the file and click to install.
It will then do its thing, and you will then need to reboot.
▶
How to Access VMware Tools Once It’s Installed
Now, this part is more limited than it sounds. VMware Tools doesn’t come with a flashy dashboard at all. Most functions, like clipboard sync, drag-and-drop, and screen resizing, are enabled by default. You can adjust certain settings in the Virtual Machine settings dialog but when Tools is working and running in the background everything works. go. Which, again, is really noice, but really an odd choice from Broadcom. The software is fantastic, yet they provide no information about it, including how to use it or what it does. A few years ago, you got an interface; now you get a tray icon. I suppose we should enjoy the simplicity.
Geek Tip
: If you’re not getting clipboard sync or drag-and-drop working, even with VMware Tools installed, Make sure the VM settings allow shared features (e.g., enable drag-and-drop in the VM config before booting).
Geek Verdict
VMware Tools might not sound flashy, but it makes your virtual machine feel like a real part of your setup, not just an isolated blocky window. Without it, things feel clunky and half-baked. With it, you get full-screen smoothness, better control, and a whole lot more capability.
Skip it, and you’re running a VM with training wheels. Install it once and enjoy a smoother ride.
Editor’s Note:
Linux users, you should still be able to install VMware tools with sudo apt install open-vm-tools
Free download VMware Tools 12.5.2 Latest full version — Improve performance of VMware Workstation Pro Player.
Free Download VMware Tools for Windows PC. It is a utility suite that enhances the performance and manageability of guest operating systems running on VMware virtual machines. It improves the virtual machine’s performance and usability on VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Workstation Player. This software provides several benefits and functionalities for managing guest operating systems within VMware environments.
Overview of VMware Tools
It is an essential software suite designed to improve the performance and management of virtual machines. Installing the tools allows users to enjoy enhanced graphics performance, better mouse handling, and seamless interaction between the host and guest operating systems. This suite also provides tools for synchronizing the time between the host and the virtual machine and improving overall system performance.
Enhanced Performance
One of the primary advantages of using the tool is its significant performance boost. The tools optimize network drivers, video performance, and disk I/O, ensuring the virtual machine runs smoothly and efficiently. This enhancement makes everyday tasks quicker and more responsive, providing a seamless user experience.
Improved Usability
It makes the virtual machine experience more user-friendly. It enables shared folders, drag-and-drop functionality, and improved mouse pointer integration. These features allow users to quickly move files between the host and the virtual machine, making the environment more intuitive and easier to manage.
Seamless Integration
Integration between the host and guest operating systems becomes seamless with the tool. The software enables automatic resolution adjustment, where the guest OS screen resolution automatically adjusts to match the VMware window size. This feature ensures that users always have the best possible display settings without needing to adjust them manually.
Time Synchronization
Time synchronization is crucial for running virtual machines, especially in environments where precise timekeeping is essential. It provides robust time synchronization capabilities, ensuring the guest OS’s clock stays in sync with the host. This feature is necessary for applications that rely on accurate timestamps.
Easy Installation and Updates
Installing and updating is straightforward. The software is included with VMware Workstation and Player, making it easy to install during the virtual machine setup. Additionally, VMware provides regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems and hardware, ensuring users can always access the latest features and improvements.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7
- Processor: Minimum 1 GHz Processor (2.4 GHz recommended)
- RAM: 2GB (4GB or more recommended)
- Free Hard Disk Space: 500MB or more is recommended
Conclusion
VMware Tools is indispensable for anyone using VMware Workstation Pro or Player. It enhances performance, usability, and integration, making virtual machine management smoother and more efficient. Whether you are a professional managing multiple virtual environments or a casual user looking to improve your VM experience, it offers the features and reliability you need.
Comments
I got few questions recently concerning VMware Tools. Usually Installation of VMware tools is easy process. Few clicks in the vSphere client and you install the VMware tools automatically or interactively. There is a third supported way to install VMware tools. In case you want to do a manual install of VMware tools from within the guest OS with the latest available packages from an online repository.
So if I recap, the VMware Tools can get installed inside of the VM three different ways (supported):
- Automatic VMware tools install
- Interactive Install – you validate and manually from the ISO presented by the hypervisor.
- From Online repository (OSPs) – Installing with latest VMware Tools which you can download from the Online repository. This is an alternative way (supported) of installing VMware tools, which also means that the version of VMware tools is maintained from within the guest OS. (not by the hypervisor) . Also, like this you can get the latest VMware Tools if you’re running older VMware product. Ex. ESXi 4.x.
Operating System Specific VMware Tools packages. (OSPs) – This is the official name for the VMware tools available online. These VMware Tools OSPs are packaged using native package formats and standards of the supported guest OS (ex. RPM or DEB). They usually take less space than the packages presented natively via the VMware hypervisor. On the other hand, the installation process takes longer.
Another advantage of using the OSPs is that you can configure to update the VMware tools from inside of the guest OS, and do the update from the online repository.
VMware tools download – OSPs
To download the Operating System Specific Packages, see the package repository:
https://packages.vmware.com/tools
For Ubuntu VMs, starting with version 8 of Ubuntu. Please note that open-vm-tools is packaged with the multiverse repository. VMware does not support the use of these packages in VMware virtual machines. I’ve outlined of the installation of VMware tools in Ubuntu in my post here – How to install VMware Tools in Ubuntu based VMs.
There are two pdfs that you might want to read:
- For ESX version 4.1 and earlier, see the guide at: https://packages.vmware.com/tools/docs/manuals/osp-esx-41-install-guide.pdf
- For ESXi versions 5.1 and 5.0, see the guide at https://packages.vmware.com/tools/docs/manuals/osp-esxi-51-install-guide.pdf
There are tools for x32 or x64 systems, depending the version of your VM that you’re running. You can also get the latest Windows VMware tools, which can be used then as an ISO package to be mounted via vSphere Client, or EXE file.
I usually copy the ISO file to a shared datastore, then it’s easily accessible to any VM of my environment. If I need it. Concerning the VMware Tools EXE file, it might be difficult to actually copy this exe file inside of a VM if this VM does not does run any version of VMware tools, as without VMware Tools present there will usually be no network connection…
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Posted by Mohammed Raffic on in VM Tricks, VMware tools | 478245 Views | 4 Responses
This post is to share the information about how to manually download VMware tools ISO image for various Operating systems based on VMware vSphere versions including the latest version of vSphere such as vSphere 6.5 . VMware tools varies for each and every operating system. When we try to install or Upgrade VMware tools using vSphere client, It will automatically mount the associated VMware tools ISO into virtual CD ROM drive of your virtual machine based on the Guest Operating system of the virtual machine. If in case you face any problem with mounting VMware tools ISO image to the virtual machine using vSphere client, you can manually download VMware tools ISO image from the VMware website and install it manually on the respective guest operating system.
You can even download the complete list of VMware tools available for various operating systems and place it in your organization repository to be used by administrators. It will make your job easy. VMware tools helps to optimize the performance of your virtual machine using ESX/ESXi hypervisor resource management mechanisms.
Manually Download VMware Tools ISO Image
Download VMware Tools from packages.vmware.com. You can select the version of vSphere to download the VMware tools. I have Selected ESXi 6.5p01
After selecting the ESX/ESXi version, It will allow us to select the Operating system to download VMware tools ISO image version for the respective operating system
I have selected Windows in the above section and intern it will ask you to select either 32 bit or 64 bit of VMware tools version for the windows operating system.
Choose either X64 or X86 based on your operating system of the Virtual Machine. It will allow you to download VMware tools .exe file and also allow you to download VMware tools ISO image.
That’s it. You are done with the manual download of VMware tools ISO image for your guest operating system. I hope this post is informative for you. Thanks for Reading !!!
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