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You can use command-line workflows to install or launch VMware Workstation, check its version, and collect diagnostics—but the documented commands differ by host OS and release. Broadcom identifies vmrun and vctl as Workstation command-line tools, but its Workstation 17.x FAQ does not provide a current syntax reference for them. Use the instructions below for the task they cover, and verify release-specific details before deploying.
Choose the command-line workflow that matches your task
| Task | Host and documented command | Important scope |
|---|---|---|
| Install Workstation | Linux: run the bundle installer with an option such as --console. Windows: use the separate silent-install procedure. |
Installer options and arguments depend on the platform and release. [Broadcom installation guide] [Broadcom Windows silent-install guide] |
| Launch the application | Linux: vmware & |
Broadcom documents this Linux launch command; it is not a Windows command. [Broadcom installation guide] |
| Check version | Host prompt: vmware -v |
The command is documented in a legacy version-identification article; executable paths vary. [Broadcom version-identification article] |
| Collect diagnostics | Linux: version-specific vm-support or vm-support-collect-host-support-info commands |
The cited guidance covers particular Workstation Player versions, not a universal current Workstation Pro procedure. [Broadcom diagnostic collection article] |
| Operate VMs or containers | Broadcom names vmrun and vctl. |
The Workstation 17.x FAQ describes their roles, but does not establish current command syntax or a release-by-release support matrix. [Broadcom Workstation 17.x FAQ] |
Install VMware Workstation from a terminal
Linux: use the bundle installer
Broadcom’s Linux instructions describe a bundle installer that can open a graphical wizard or, on some distributions, a terminal wizard. The example uses a build-specific filename, so replace the illustrative filename with the bundle you actually downloaded:
sh VMware-workstation-Full-####-####.architecture.bundle [--option]
Options listed in Broadcom’s guide include:
--gtkopens the graphical installer.--consoleruns installation in a terminal.--customallows customization of installation locations and the open-file descriptor hard limit.--regularshows unanswered or required questions.--ignore-errorsor-Icontinues after installer-script errors. Broadcom warns that an affected component might not be configured.--requiredshows the license agreement and proceeds.
These options are documented in Broadcom’s installation article, updated 2025-02-10. Consult the package and release documentation for the build you are installing rather than assuming every option behaves identically across releases. [Broadcom: Installing VMware Workstation Pro]
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Windows: install silently
Broadcom documents silent installation for Workstation 12.x and later. Its illustrative invocation is:
VMware-workstation-full-xxxx-xxxx.exe /s /v"/qn EULAS_AGREED=1 SERIALNUMBER=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx"
The installer name, build digits, and serial number in this example are placeholders, not a downloadable filename or usable license key. The procedure requires an administrator or an account in the local Administrators group. Broadcom directs administrators to its unattended-install guide for the parameter list; verify the current arguments and licensing requirements for the release being deployed. [Broadcom: Performing a silent installation of VMware Workstation on Windows]
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Start Workstation from a Linux terminal
After installation, Broadcom’s Linux example for launching the application is:
vmware &
The ampersand returns the shell prompt while the application runs in the background. Broadcom also gives /usr/bin/vmware & as an example using an explicit path. The executable’s location can differ by installation, so use the path for your system if the shell cannot find vmware. [Broadcom: Installing VMware Workstation Pro]
Check the installed version and build
Broadcom’s version-identification article documents running this from the host operating system’s prompt:
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
vmware -v
The article also shows a Windows invocation using the full path to vmware.exe. That example is from a legacy article covering older Workstation versions, so do not assume its path matches a current installation. If the command is not recognized, locate the executable for your install and run it with -v; confirm the behavior for the release in use. [Broadcom: Determining VMware software version and build number]
Collect diagnostic information carefully
Broadcom’s diagnostic guidance includes Linux commands for specific Workstation Player versions:
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sudo vm-supportis listed for several Player versions.sudo vm-support-collect-host-support-infois listed for Workstation Player 12.x and later; the article says it is normally found in/usr/bin.
These are version-scoped instructions, not an established universal procedure for current Workstation Pro. Check the support article’s version scope and the support instructions for your installed release before using a command or submitting its output. [Broadcom: Collecting diagnostic information for VMware Workstation and Player]
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What Broadcom says about vmrun and vctl
Broadcom’s Workstation 17.x FAQ names both utilities as command-line tools. It describes vctl as supporting OCI container operations—pushing, pulling, building, and running containers—and local Kubernetes clusters. The FAQ also distinguishes Workstation Pro, intended for IT professionals and developers and supporting multiple simultaneous VMs, from Player’s more limited single-VM use description.
That FAQ is not a command-by-command reference. It does not establish the exact current syntax, options, or version support for either utility. Because those details can vary by release, use the documentation supplied for the specific Workstation build rather than relying on an unverified command example. [Broadcom Workstation 17.x FAQ]
Check release and host requirements before deployment
Broadcom’s Workstation 17.x FAQ lists a compatible 64-bit x86/AMD64 CPU launched in 2011 or later, at least 1.3 GHz, 2 GB RAM minimum with 4 GB or more recommended, and about 2.5 GB of available disk space for the application. Those are FAQ figures for Workstation 17.x, not a guarantee for another release or host configuration. Check the current system requirements and release notes for the version and operating system you plan to use. [Broadcom Workstation 17.x FAQ]
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The same FAQ describes NAT as sharing the host IP, bridged networking as allowing a VM to obtain its own DHCP-provided IP, and host-only networking as creating an isolated virtual network. These are product behavior descriptions, not command-line options.
Verify current licensing and download requirements
Broadcom’s Workstation 17.x FAQ says personal use became free as of May 6, 2024 after registering for a Broadcom Support Portal account and downloading the latest version; it says commercial use requires a paid license. Broadcom’s desktop-hypervisor download article also describes portal registration as required to download Workstation and Fusion. Since product terms and portal procedures can change, confirm the current terms and download instructions before installing or deploying Workstation. [Broadcom Workstation 17.x FAQ] [Broadcom: Download Desktop Hypervisor (Workstation and Fusion) Products]
Quick Recap
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