How to VMware Player?

[Jake1042]

About a year ago I have bought single licenses on the VMware home page, but the link now says "The CloudVista Store was shut down on November 13, 2024."

It also looks like the VMware Workstation Player has been discontinued.

So what is the current solution for running a VMware on a stand-alone PC and how/where do I get the license and download?

Thanks. 

[Henk De Groot]

https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2024/11/11/vmware-fusion-and-workstation-are-now-free-for-all-users/

It is since become free for all usage. You can just download the current version from the products download page.

[Jake1042]

Thanks - very useful info.

I found the download page.
https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware%20Workstation%20Pro

And then there is no need for a license?

Also no license if used professionally?

[Henk De Groot]

That is correct, even no license required when used commercially/professionally.

[Henk De Groot]

Just to add to my message, when you download and install 17.6.2 this is also reflected in the About page.

No more indication for Commercial/Personal use and license required.

[Glen Leslie]

VMWare Player also continues to be updated (there is VMW Player 17.6.2 updated in Dec 2024) on the Products page but the download button is disabled: "Note entitled for download" 

Oddly, I can download VMW WS 17.6.2 Pro.  If it was true that development ended for VMW WS Player then why release another one in Dec 2024 but then make it inaccessible?  

Does anyone know why this is ... 

[Henk De Groot]

Good point, would not know why that is. Perhaps it is to allow some people to still download it? Maybe as part of an overall enterprise agreement or perhaps to be able to just list the product and allow download the older versions (like 16.25).

[Glen Leslie]

That is another oddity... VMW Player versions below 17 can be downloaded still ... the button is active there... 

[Michael Hoffmann]

Those that have an active Maintenance Contract for VMware Player will also be able download the latest Version of VMWare Player.
All Other can Download and install VMWare Workstation 17.6.2 an have the Player installed within that Package.