To install VMware Workstation on Ubuntu 24.04, first confirm that your Workstation release supports your Ubuntu point release and running kernel. Download the Linux .bundle installer from the Broadcom Support Portal, install the required build tools and matching kernel headers, then run the bundle with root privileges. On first launch, Workstation may compile its host modules; Secure Boot can block those modules even if installation succeeds.
Check Ubuntu and kernel compatibility first
Workstation compatibility is tied to the product release and host kernel, not just the name “Ubuntu 24.04.” Broadcom’s host operating system matrix lists these combinations:
| Workstation release | Ubuntu release listed | Host kernel listed |
|---|---|---|
| 25H2 | Ubuntu 24.04 through 24.04.3 | 6.14.0-28-generic |
| 26H1 | Ubuntu 24.04 through 24.04.4 | 6.17.0-22-generic |
These are specific entries in Broadcom’s [Workstation host OS support matrix]; they are not a promise that every kernel in an Ubuntu point-release series is supported. Check the matrix for the exact Workstation release and kernel you plan to use. Broadcom’s latest bundle available to a particular account may depend on Support Portal access, so verify availability there rather than assuming a particular download is offered.
To see the kernel currently running on your Ubuntu host, open Terminal and run:
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uname -r
Compare the result with Broadcom’s matrix. If you install a different kernel later, check compatibility and install its matching headers before expecting Workstation’s modules to build.
Install the build tools and matching kernel headers
Workstation needs to build host modules against the running kernel. Broadcom identifies GCC/build tools and kernel headers as prerequisites. Refresh Ubuntu’s package metadata, then install the packages if they are not already present:
-
Update package metadata:
sudo apt update -
Install compiler and build tools:
sudo apt install build-essential -
Install headers for the kernel reported by
uname -r:sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
Broadcom’s Ubuntu/Debian guidance names build-essential and linux-headers-$(uname -r) for missing packages. If Ubuntu cannot find the matching headers, check that the host is updated and that a headers package exists for the kernel you are running; headers for a different kernel will not match. See Broadcom’s [missing GCC and kernel header packages guidance].
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Download and run the Linux bundle
Get the Linux installer through the Broadcom Support Portal. Review the release notes and system requirements for the specific release before installing. Broadcom documents running the downloaded bundle from a terminal; it is not installed by passing the bundle to apt.
-
In the Support Portal, download the VMware Workstation Linux bundle. The filename varies by release and architecture.
-
Open Terminal and change to the directory where the file was downloaded. For example, if it is in Downloads:
cd ~/Downloads -
Run the bundle with root privileges, substituting its exact downloaded filename:
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sudo sh VMware-workstation-Full-####-####.x86_64.bundle -
Follow the installer wizard, accept the license terms, and complete the prompts. The installer normally opens a graphical wizard; some distributions may use a command-line wizard.
-
Restart the host when prompted by the installer.
For the exact installation flow and bundle command pattern, see Broadcom’s [Installing VMware Workstation Pro]. Replace the example name above with the actual file you downloaded; do not type the placeholder characters literally.
Launch Workstation and build its modules
After restarting, start Workstation from a terminal:
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vmware &
Broadcom also gives /usr/bin/vmware & as an example. Accept the End User License Agreement on first launch. If Workstation asks to compile or configure its host modules, allow it to proceed. This step relies on suitable build tools and headers for the running kernel.
Troubleshoot installation and startup problems
Compiler tools or make are missing
If module setup reports a missing compiler, GCC, or make, install build-essential as shown above, then retry launching Workstation so it can build the modules.
Matching kernel headers cannot be found
Check the output of uname -r and install headers for that exact kernel with sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r). If the package is unavailable, confirm that Ubuntu is updated and that the running kernel has a corresponding headers package. Do not substitute headers for another kernel.
Workstation reports it cannot open /dev/vmmon
This error can occur when the vmmon module did not build or load. If the build failed, address missing compiler tools or headers. If it built but is blocked from loading, Secure Boot may be rejecting unsigned VMware modules such as vmmon or vmnet. Rebuilding alone does not resolve a Secure Boot signature rejection.
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Broadcom documents signing both modules and enrolling a Machine Owner Key, and also describes disabling Secure Boot as a workaround. These choices affect boot security and firmware configuration. Follow the release-specific [Secure Boot and /dev/vmmon guidance] and your device vendor’s firmware procedure before changing Secure Boot settings.
The application installs, but kernel support is uncertain
A successful application install or module build does not by itself establish that the host kernel is supported. Recheck the exact Workstation release, Ubuntu point release, and running kernel in Broadcom’s [support matrix]; compatibility entries can differ across product and kernel releases.
Check your hardware
Broadcom’s general [Workstation system requirements] describe a compatible 64-bit x86/AMD64 processor with hardware virtualization support: Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Its general RAM and disk figures are not Ubuntu 24.04-specific VM recommendations, so plan resources around the guest operating system and workload you intend to run.
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