Install VMware Tools on Ubuntu: Step-by-Step

To install VMware Tools on Ubuntu, you typically use the open-source open-vm-tools package, which is included in Ubuntu’s official repositories. For most users, a simple sudo apt install open-vm-tools is all you need; for desktop VMs, add open-vm-tools-desktop. This guide covers both the package method and the legacy tarball installer, plus troubleshooting common issues.

What VMware Tools Does

VMware Tools is a set of drivers and services that improve the performance and usability of a virtual machine. Without it, your Ubuntu guest runs with generic VESA graphics, slow mouse tracking, and no shared clipboard or drag-and-drop. Installing it enables:

Faster, smoother video and proper screen resolution auto-fit
Shared folders between host and guest
Copy/paste and drag-and-drop between host and guest
Accurate time synchronization
Graceful shutdown/restart from the VMware console
Better memory and CPU performance via paravirtualized drivers

Modern VMware Workstation, Player, and Fusion versions recommend open-vm-tools over the older bundled tarball. The open-source version is maintained by the Linux kernel community and is usually more stable with newer Ubuntu releases.

Method 1: Install open-vm-tools (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest method. You need an internet connection and sudo privileges.

Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).
Update the package list: sudo apt update
Install the tools: sudo apt install open-vm-tools
If you are running a desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, etc.), also install: sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop
Reboot the VM: sudo reboot

After reboot, verify the service is running with systemctl status open-vm-tools (or vmtoolsd). You should see “active (running)”. To test shared folders, mount them manually or check /mnt/hgfs.

Method 2: Install VMware Tools from the Tarball (Legacy)

Only use this if you cannot use the package method (e.g., no internet in the guest, or you need a feature not in open-vm-tools). This method installs the proprietary VMware Tools from the ISO that VMware provides.

In the VMware menu, select VM > Install VMware Tools. This mounts a virtual CD-ROM.

In the guest, mount the CD and extract the tarball. Typically:

sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
cd /tmp
tar xzf /mnt/VMwareTools-*.tar.gz
cd vmware-tools-distrib
sudo ./vmware-install.pl

Follow the prompts – the default answers are usually fine. The installer compiles kernel modules, so you need build-essential and the kernel headers installed first: sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)
Once finished, reboot.

Note: The tarball method is deprecated and may fail on newer Ubuntu versions due to kernel changes. Prefer open-vm-tools.

How to Verify Installation

After installation, you can confirm the tools are working:

Run vmware-toolbox-cmd -v to see the version (for open-vm-tools, use vmtoolsd --version).
Check the service: systemctl status vmtoolsd
Look for the VMware Tools icon in the system tray (if using desktop package).
Resize the VM window – the screen should auto-fit.
Try copy/paste between host and guest.

Common Problems and Fixes

Shared Folders Not Visible

If /mnt/hgfs is empty, you may need to mount manually: sudo vmhgfs-fuse .host:/ /mnt/hgfs -o allow_other. To make it permanent, add an entry to /etc/fstab.

Copy/Paste Not Working

Ensure you installed open-vm-tools-desktop (for desktop). If it still fails, try sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop and reboot. Also check that the VM settings have “Shared Folders” enabled and the clipboard option is set to “Bidirectional”.

Screen Resolution Stuck

If the display doesn’t auto-resize, try running xrandr to manually set a resolution. Also ensure the VMware SVGA driver is loaded: lsmod | grep vmw.

Kernel Module Build Fails (Tarball)

This usually means kernel headers are missing or mismatched. Install the exact headers for your kernel: sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r). If you recently updated the kernel, reboot first.

open-vm-tools vs. VMware Tools Tarball

The table below summarizes the differences:

Feature	open-vm-tools	Tarball (VMware Tools)
Source	Open-source, in Ubuntu repos	Proprietary, from VMware
Installation	apt install	Manual script
Updates	Automatic via apt	Manual
Kernel compatibility	Often better	Can break after kernel updates
Support	Official for Ubuntu	Deprecated but still works

For nearly all users, open-vm-tools is the correct choice. The tarball is only needed if you have a specific requirement like older ESXi features that open-vm-tools doesn’t provide.

Uninstalling VMware Tools

If you installed the tarball and want to switch to open-vm-tools, first remove the old one:

Run sudo vmware-uninstall-tools.pl (located in /usr/bin or the extracted directory).
Then install open-vm-tools as described above.

To remove open-vm-tools entirely: sudo apt remove open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need VMware Tools on Ubuntu?

Yes, for a smooth experience. Without it, the VM runs with basic VGA (often 800×600), no shared folders, no clipboard, and poor performance. It’s essential for any serious use.

What is the difference between open-vm-tools and open-vm-tools-desktop?

The base package open-vm-tools provides core services (time sync, shutdown, shared folders). The -desktop package adds X11/GUI integration like clipboard sharing, drag-and-drop, and auto-resize. Install both on desktop VMs.

How do I mount shared folders after installing open-vm-tools?

Shared folders appear under /mnt/hgfs automatically if the service is running. If not, run sudo vmhgfs-fuse .host:/ /mnt/hgfs -o allow_other. To auto-mount at boot, add that command to /etc/rc.local or use fstab.

Why is my screen resolution stuck at 800×600?

This usually means the VMware SVGA driver isn’t loaded. Check with lsmod | grep vmw. If missing, reinstall open-vm-tools-desktop and reboot. Also ensure your VM’s graphics memory is sufficient.

Can I install VMware Tools without internet?

Yes, using the tarball from the VMware Tools ISO. But you still need the kernel headers and compiler, which usually require internet or a local repository. If you have no internet, pre-download the .deb packages on another machine and transfer them.

Does VMware Tools work on Ubuntu Server?

Yes, install open-vm-tools (no desktop package needed). It provides time sync, clean shutdown, and shared folders (if configured). The service runs headless.

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

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