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10 Tech How-To

Install Windows 11 on VMware Workstation 16 Pro

Guide 10-38575 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through installing Windows 11 as a virtual machine in VMware Workstation 16 Pro. You’ll create a new VM, configure the necessary settings (like TPM and Secure Boot), and run the Windows 11 installer. Before you begin, make sure you have a Windows 11 ISO file downloaded from Microsoft and that your host machine meets the basic requirements for running VMware Workstation 16 Pro.

What You’ll Need

  • VMware Workstation 16 Pro installed (version 16.2 or later recommended for Windows 11 support).
  • A Windows 11 ISO file (download from Microsoft’s official website).
  • At least 64 GB of free disk space on your host (Windows 11 requires 64 GB minimum, but 80 GB or more is better).
  • At least 4 GB of RAM to assign to the VM (8 GB recommended).
  • Your host CPU must support virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and be enabled in BIOS/UEFI.

Step-by-Step

  1. Open VMware Workstation 16 Pro and click Create a New Virtual Machine on the home screen, or go to File > New Virtual Machine.
  2. Choose Typical (recommended) and click Next.
  3. Select Installer disc image file (iso), browse to your Windows 11 ISO, and click Next. If you don’t have the ISO yet, you can select I will install the operating system later and attach the ISO later, but using it now is simpler.
  4. Enter your Windows product key if you have one; otherwise leave blank. Choose Windows 11 as the version from the dropdown (if it’s not listed, choose Windows 10 x64—it works for Windows 11 as well). Click Next.
  5. Name your VM (e.g., “Windows 11”) and choose a location to store it. Click Next.
  6. Set the Maximum disk size to at least 80 GB. Choose Store virtual disk as a single file (faster performance) or split if you need portability. Click Next.
  7. Review the summary and click Finish.
  8. Now you need to adjust the VM settings for Windows 11 compatibility. Right-click the VM in the library and select Settings.
  9. In the Hardware tab, select Memory and set it to at least 4 GB (4096 MB).
  10. Select Processors and assign at least 2 cores (or more if your host has spare).
  11. Select CD/DVD (SATA) and ensure Connect at power on is checked and the Use ISO image file points to your Windows 11 ISO.
  12. Click Add at the bottom, choose Trusted Platform Module, and click Finish. This adds a virtual TPM 2.0 chip, which Windows 11 requires.
  13. Still in Settings, go to Options tab, select Advanced, and check Firmware type – it should be UEFI (not BIOS). If it’s BIOS, you’ll need to change it, but note that changing firmware after creation may require reinstallation. If your VM was created with BIOS, you can either start over with a UEFI VM or use the workaround in Troubleshooting.
  14. Also in Advanced, make sure Enable Secure Boot is checked (if available). This is another Windows 11 requirement.
  15. Click OK to save settings.
  16. Power on the VM. It should boot from the ISO. If you see a message about TPM or Secure Boot, go back and verify the settings.
  17. Follow the Windows 11 installation prompts: choose language, click Install now, enter product key if prompted, select edition, accept license, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced), select the unallocated space, and click Next.
  18. Windows will copy files and reboot several times. After the reboot, you may need to press a key to boot from CD again – but don’t, let it boot from the hard drive. If the VM gets stuck in a boot loop, you may need to disconnect the ISO (right-click the CD icon and select Disconnect).
  19. Complete the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE): choose region, keyboard layout, sign in with Microsoft account or create local account (if you skip network), and set up PIN.
  20. Once at the desktop, install VMware Tools: go to VM > Install VMware Tools in the menu. Run the setup inside the VM and restart when prompted. This improves display resolution, mouse integration, and clipboard sharing.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to add TPM – Windows 11 setup will complain about TPM 2.0. Add the virtual TPM device in VM settings.
  • Using BIOS firmware – Windows 11 requires UEFI. If your VM is BIOS, you’ll get an error. Create a new VM with UEFI or convert (see Troubleshooting).
  • Insufficient RAM or disk – Windows 11 needs at least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB disk. If you allocate less, installation may fail or be very slow.
  • Not enabling virtualization in host BIOS – If the VM won’t start or runs extremely slow, check that Intel VT-x/AMD-V is enabled in your host’s BIOS.
  • Using an older VMware version – Windows 11 support was added in Workstation 16.2. Update to the latest 16 Pro version if possible.

Tips

  • Use the Custom hardware option when creating the VM to set the firmware to UEFI from the start – it’s easier than changing later.
  • If you have a product key, enter it during installation to avoid edition selection issues.
  • Allocate more than the minimum RAM (8 GB) if your host has it – Windows 11 runs smoother.
  • Take a snapshot after installation and before configuring anything else – you can revert if something goes wrong.
  • Keep the VM’s virtual disk as a single file for better performance.

Troubleshooting

  • “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error – This usually means TPM or Secure Boot is missing. Go to VM settings, add TPM, and ensure Secure Boot is enabled in Advanced options. If you changed firmware from BIOS to UEFI after creating the VM, you may need to reinstall Windows.
  • VM won’t boot from ISO – Check that the CD/DVD drive is set to connect at power on and the ISO is attached. You can also press ESC during boot to select boot device.
  • Stuck at “Press any key to boot from CD” – After Windows reboots during installation, don’t press any key. If it keeps looping, disconnect the ISO from the VM’s CD drive.
  • Black screen during installation – Try increasing video memory in VM settings (e.g., to 128 MB) or disabling 3D acceleration.
  • VMware Tools won’t install – Make sure you’re logged in as administrator and that the VM has internet access to download any dependencies.
  • Performance is laggy – Enable virtualization in your host BIOS, increase CPU cores, and ensure you have enough RAM. Also, disable Windows 11 visual effects in the VM if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows 11 without TPM in VMware?

Officially, no. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0. However, you can bypass the TPM check during installation by modifying the registry or using a specific command, but this is not recommended and may lead to stability issues.

Why does my VMware Workstation 16 Pro not have a TPM option?

The TPM option is available in Workstation 16.2 and later. If you don’t see it, update VMware Workstation to the latest version. Also, ensure your host’s CPU supports virtualization and is enabled in BIOS.

Do I need Secure Boot for Windows 11 in a VM?

Yes, Windows 11 requires Secure Boot capability. In VMware, you can enable Secure Boot in VM settings under Options > Advanced. It’s enabled by default for UEFI VMs.

How much RAM and disk do I need for Windows 11 VM?

Microsoft recommends at least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. For a smoother experience, allocate 8 GB RAM and 80 GB disk. VMware also requires some overhead, so don’t allocate all your host’s resources.

Can I use a Windows 10 ISO to install Windows 11?

No, you need a Windows 11 ISO. However, if you have a Windows 10 product key, it may work for Windows 11 during installation, but it’s not guaranteed.

Why is my VM not detecting the ISO file?

Make sure the ISO is not corrupted and that the CD/DVD drive is configured to use it. Also, check that the ISO is in a location accessible by VMware (e.g., not on a network drive that’s offline).

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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