Install Windows 11 in VMware Workstation 16

In this guide, we will learn how to install Windows 11 in VMware Workstation 16. New Preview version of Microsoft Windows 11 released, and you may be thinking of migrating from the old OS. I am testing a new Windows 11 in VMware Workstation 16.

Windows 11 specifications, features, and requirements

Here you can download Windows 11 ISO files.

Downlaod Windows 11 Insider Preview

Creating Bootable USB Drive

You can build a Windows 11 installation media (USB or DVD). How to create Windows 11 bootable USB drive.

Create a virtual machine in VMware Workstation.

Open VMware Workstation, select file tab, and then New Virtual Machine.

vmware workstation file menu

Choose the type of virtual machine and then click Next.
Note: Custom – This gives you an option of hardware compatibility.

new virtual machine wizard custom

Select Hardware compatibility and then click next.

virtual machine hardware compatibility

Guest operating system installation

Installer disc (CD/DVD)
Installer disc image file (ISO), I have selected Windows 11 .ISO. Choose the Browse button, select the operating system you want to install, and then click Next.

guest operating system installation

Guest operating system (Microsoft Windows) and click next.

guest operating system workstation

Enter a virtual machine name and specify a location by clicking on the browse button VM files to be saved or leave it as default settings. Click Next.

virtual machine name vmware workstation

Select Firmware Type and click Next.

firmware type vmware workstation

Choose number of processors and click next.

virtual machine processor configuration

Select Memory for this virtual machine and click next.

memory for the virtual machine

Select Network Type and click Next.

new virtual machine network type

Click Next.

new virtual machine controller type

Default Settings, click next.

disk type vmware workstation

Select a disk “create a new virtual disk” and then click Next.

select a disk vmware workstation

Specify disk capacity for virtual machine
Choose store the virtual disk as a single file and then click Next.

disk capacity vmware workstation

Click Next.

specify disk file vmware workstation

Verify the virtual machine configuration settings and click finish.

ready to create virtual machine

Installing Windows 11 on VMware Workstation

Select Power on this virtual machine.

vmware workstation 16

Press any key ….

press any key to boot

Click Next.

windows setup language

Windows 11 Setup, click Install Now.

windows install now

Select I don’t have a product key.

I don't have product key

Select Windows 11 OS and then click next.

windows setup operating system

Accept Windows 11 applicable notice and license, and then click Next.

Microsoft software license terms

Windows setup, select the Custom option.

windows setup custom:install

If you want to create a partition you can or simply click next.

installing windows 11 partitions

Windows 11 installation status.

installing windows 11 copying file

Windows 11 welcome screen choose language and then clicks Next.

country or region windows 11

Select a keyboard layout and then click next.

Keyboard layout windows 11

Click Skip second keyboard layouts.
Choose select for personal use and then click Next.

set up for personal use

Sign in with a Microsoft account or you can use an offline account, (I am using an offline account)
Type an account name and then click Next.

enter your name windows 11

Enter your password, confirmed password, and then click Next.

create windows 11 memorable password

Choose any 3 security questions and then click next.

windows 11 security questions

Privacy setting Windows 11, scroll down, and then click accept.

windows 11 privacy settings

It might take few minutes to complete.

don't turn off your pc

Windows 11 desktop.

Windows 11 desktop

Related: Install Windows 11 on Laptop/Computer Related: This PC Must Support Secure Boot Windows 11 Related: Upgrade Windows 11 in Windows Insider Program

Related: Solved: This PC Can’t run Windows 11

Jamil Parvez
Jamil Parvezhttps://www.xpertstec.com
Jamil Pervez works as a Network Administrator, based in Kuwait with a Primary focus on Microsoft technologies. Microsoft Certified MCSE, MCTP, MCITP, CCNP, CCIP, CCVP with 20 years of experience in administering Windows Servers, Exchange, VMWare, Veeam B&R, Veritas BackupExec.

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