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# Broadcom's Latest Move: Making VMware Workstation Pro Available for Free
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/vmware-workstation-free/
- Published: 2024-05-16T10:37:36.000Z
- Updated: 2024-05-16T10:37:36.000Z
- Description: VMware Workstation Pro is free now, but it will take you a while to download it.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Development Updates, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Ever since Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, we have seen them [drop the hammer](https://itsfoss.com/vmware-broadcom-subscription/) on many existing customers by ditching perpetual licenses, in favor of a subscription-based licensing model.

They even [shut down](https://itsfoss.com/broadcom-vmware-continues/) the VMware Cloud Services Provider program, while only inviting a select few vendors back into the fold under the Broadcom Expert Advantage Partner program.

Interestingly, in a recent announcement, they have **chosen to give something back to their community** by making two popular [VMware](https://www.vmware.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) products free.

It was a surprise for me, yes. But there were some problems that I'll talk about later.

## What can you expect from Broadcom's Generosity?

In an unexpected move, **Broadcom has made VMware Fusion Pro and VMware Workstation Pro free for all kinds of personal usage**. We will focus on Workstation Pro, as that is available for Linux; Fusion Pro is a macOS-only affair.

Now, if you are someone who wants to use a [hypervisor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypervisor?ref=itsfoss.com) for a personal project or want one just to check out a couple of Linux distros. You do not have to pay a dime to access the [advanced features](https://www.vmware.com/products/desktop-hypervisor.html?ref=itsfoss.com) that Workstation Pro offers.

However, for commercial usage, you still have to pay for a subscription, which can be sourced through a [Broadcom Advantage Partner](https://www.broadcom.com/how-to-buy/partner-distributor-lookup?ref=itsfoss.com).

Additionally, **VMware is retiring the previous player versions of both Workstation and Fusion**, with a [detailed process](https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?articleNumber=367660&ref=itsfoss.com) for existing users on how to upgrade to the pro variants.

They also shared a helpful table to guide users with the migration. 👇

![an illustration showing the migration path for existing vmware users](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/05/VMware_Migration.jpg)

To dive deeper into what's going on, you may refer to the [announcement blog](https://blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2024/05/fusion-pro-now-available-free-for-personal-use.html?ref=itsfoss.com).

## Get VMware Workstation Pro

You can get the latest builds of VMware Workstation Pro from the Broadcom [customer portal](https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware+Workstation+Pro&ref=itsfoss.com).

**Unfortunately, you will have to sign in using a Broadcom account to get access**. If you don't have an account, then you will have to make one.

[VMware Workstation Pro (Requires Sign In)](https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware+Workstation+Pro&ref=itsfoss.com)

You would think the download process would be straightforward, but no. First, you have to log in, then choose the “*Personal*” variants; otherwise, it will throw an error saying “*Not Entitled*”.

Then, you have to fill out a “Trade Compliance Verification” form before the portal allows you to download anything. I remember the simpler days, back in 2022, when getting VMware was just a matter of a few clicks.

*💬 What do you think? Was making these paid products available for free the right decision?*