17.6.1 Linux Host - Mouse Not Working on Extra Screens

[JavaScriptDude]

I depend on VMware workstation to do .net development on Windows and need to use multiple monitors for my workflows. I use workstation for this purpose every day with no issues.

I just upgraded the hypervisor to 17.6.1 (build-24319023) on my fully updated Linux Mint host and the mouse no longer works on extra screens. I can see the pointer but cannot interact. Main screen works fine though. When I turned on `Optimise Mouse for Games - Always` it worked sporadically, but the I could no longer see the pointer in the extra windows.

I did re-install VMware tools on the guest and restarted both the guest and host.

I am presently fully updating the guest to see if that helps....

If this does not work, I'll be downgrading back to 17.6.0.

Please advise if there is a fix for this.

[JavaScriptDude]

[UPDATE] - The issue goes away in `exclusive mode` however, that is not a mode I want to use in my workflows. I have three monitors and keep one on my Linux host for quick access. Having to type the `Ctrl-Alt` all the time is a pain.

[Dejan Rodiger]

Thanks, this means I will stay on 17.5.2 for now. 17.6 is not working on Kernel 6.8.0-40 in Ubuntu 24.4 for me.

[Dejan Rodiger]

Just checked release notes, it is a known issue

The multi-monitor feature might not work correctly in specific topologies

In specific situations, based on different hardware and topologies, the multi-monitor feature does not work as expected. You might see issues like reverting the topology to a single screen, or not cycling through monitors.

[JavaScriptDude]

Thanks for checking. I'm extremely surprised this would get released as-is. This kind of bug should get filtered out in beta and not go out in a release version. Sometimes I wonder why I am paying for this product....

[JavaScriptDude]

[UPDATE] I fully updated my windohs guest and issue still persists. I'm presently downgrading to 17.6.0 so I can get back to work.

I gave up trying to figure out where I can download the program I purchased (REALLY Broadcom???). 

Here is a page that has a link and install instructions here: https://nwgat.ninja/quick-easy-vmware-workstation-pro-17-6-on-ubuntu-24-04/

[Arnold Sutter]

I just upgraded my Fedora 39 Linux host with kernel 6.10.12-100 to 17.6.1 without any problems!

The first time for years I didn't need to fix the kernel modules (vmnet, vmmon) as they compiled without errors: thank you Broadcom/VMware for this!

Regarding the mouse pointer in Windows Guests on extra screens: I don't have this problem.

Here is my setup: Host is HP ZBook 15u G6 with Fedora 39 using the Wayland display server both on my main laptop screen and an extra screen connected with a VGA-Cable. The Windows screen is extended with the extra screen and both mouse and keyboard input is possible on both screens. 

Guest is Windows 10 22H2 both with VMware Tools 12.4.5 and now updated to 12.5.

[Arnold Sutter]

Hello

I know how important it is that the VMware Workstation products work reliably on Linux hosts because of some software environments that are not available on Linux / Fedora!

I've upgraded to VMware Workstation 17.6.1 on my Fedora 39 host with kernel 6.10.12-100 without problems. My host is an HP ZBook 15u G6 notebook running the Wayland display server.

Actually it was the first time for many years that I had no problems building the kernel modules vmnet and vmmon out of the box: thank you VMware by Broadcom for this!

My Windows 10 22H2 VM has no issues with multiple screens as both the mouse and the keyboard input work as they should on both screens in extension mode. I've upgraded the VMware tools in Win10 from 12.4.5 -> 12.5 without making a difference. Exclusive mode is not selected. 

Best regards,
noldi

[JavaScriptDude]

Thanks for your notes Arnold. After downgrading, the issue did not go away so it looks like its related to the VMWare Tools. I have to investigate how to install an earlier version of VMware tools.

FYI - My Guest is Windows Server 2016 and my Host is a HP Z840. I should try my ZBook to see if it gets the same issue after upgrading...

[rayellis]

An update to my previous post: version 17.5.2 does not exhibit the mouse problems I saw across all guest systems, Windows and Linux, with versions 17.6.1 and 17.6.0. Multiple monitors don't work yet, but at least the mouse does :-)

-- Ray

[rayellis]

I have the same problem with a range of Linux guests (as well as Windows), so I'm not sure it's VMware Tools.

I've tried 17.6.1, 17.6.0, still working my way back; and I've tried open-vm-tools (on the Linux guests) 12.3.5-3, 12.1.5-3, and 11.3.5-1 -- no luck.

Exclusive mode made no difference for me.

(host is Ubuntu 22.04, downgraded to a 6.5.0-45 kernel that VMware supports)

[JavaScriptDude]

[UPDATE] 

1) I tried fully uninstalling VMw and re installing previous version but did not help

2) I tried several versions of VMw Tools and did not help

3) I booted an older VM that has not been loaded or updated for over a year and it also had the issue.

I'm still stuck with no solution.

[Dhairya Tomar]

JavaScriptDude Request you to share Support bundle of the affected VM.

[JavaScriptDude]

I've been waiting for the "Collecting host OS support data..." to finish for over an hour. I'm running as root (% sudo -i vmware) ...

I'm going to kill it now and just run as my regular account as I have work to do. Let me know if you need this `Collect support data` tool needs to be run as root.

[JavaScriptDude]

I've run the Collect Support Data as Root and as regular user and it never finishes. No errors. just keeps spinning at Collecting host OS support data... any suggestions for this issue?

[JavaScriptDude]

It finished but took a very long time.

[JavaScriptDude]

Support bundle sent via DM

[JavaScriptDude]

[UPDATE] I downgraded to VMware Workstation 17.5.2 and the issue went away. It appears that this multi-screen bug started in 17.6.0 and is not related to VMWare tools.

[JavaScriptDude]

This issue may have been fixed in VMware Workstation 25H2. Currently testing and initial tests look good.

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Timothy C. Quinn
https://github.com/JavaScriptDude
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