To install Windows 10 on VMware, download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft, open VMware Workstation Pro, and create a new virtual machine with File > New Virtual Machine. Point the wizard at the ISO, give the VM at least 2 processor cores, 4 GB of RAM, and a 60 GB disk, then power it on and run Windows Setup as you would on a real PC. Finish by installing VMware Tools so the display, mouse, and file sharing work smoothly.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These steps still work on Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 is the long-term way to keep getting security fixes.
What you need
- VMware Workstation Pro (Windows or Linux) or VMware Fusion Pro (Mac). Broadcom made both free for all users in November 2024, and the separate Workstation Player product was retired. You download them from Broadcom’s support portal after creating a free account.
- A Windows 10 ISO. Get it from Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page.
- A PC with virtualization enabled (Intel VT-x or AMD-V, usually on by default), at least 8 GB of RAM, and about 60 GB of free disk space for the VM.
- A Windows 10 product key if you want the VM activated. A virtual machine counts as a separate device for licensing.
Step 1: Create the virtual machine
- Open VMware Workstation Pro and select File > New Virtual Machine.
- Choose Typical (recommended) and select Next.
- Select Installer disc image file (iso), browse to your Windows 10 ISO, and select Next. Workstation should detect Windows 10.
- If the wizard offers Easy Install, you can enter your product key, name, and password so Windows installs unattended, or skip it and install manually.
- Name the virtual machine and choose where to store its files. An SSD gives much better performance.
- Set the disk size. The default of 60 GB is a good minimum. Choosing Store virtual disk as a single file can improve performance slightly.
- Select Customize Hardware before you finish (see Step 2), then select Finish.
Step 2: Adjust the hardware
- Memory: 4 GB minimum; 8 GB if your PC has 16 GB or more.
- Processors: 2 cores minimum; 4 for smoother use.
- Network adapter: NAT gives the VM internet access through your PC and is the easiest choice. Use Bridged if the VM should appear as its own device on your network.
- Display: turn on Accelerate 3D graphics for smoother visuals after VMware Tools is installed.
You can change any of these later from VM > Settings while the VM is powered off.
Step 3: Install Windows 10
- Select Power on this virtual machine. If you see “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD,” click inside the VM window and press a key quickly.
- Choose your language and keyboard, then select Install now.
- Enter your product key, or select I don’t have a product key to activate later.
- Pick the edition (Home or Pro) that matches your key, accept the license terms, and choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Select the virtual disk (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) and select Next. Only the virtual disk is visible here; your real drives are not touched.
- Wait for the install and restarts, then complete the setup screens.
Press Ctrl + Alt to release your mouse and keyboard from the VM window at any time.
Step 4: Install VMware Tools
- With Windows running in the VM, select VM > Install VMware Tools.
- In the VM, open File Explorer, open the VMware Tools DVD drive, and run setup. Choose Typical.
- Restart the VM when asked.
VMware Tools adds proper display drivers (so the screen resizes with the window), smoother mouse movement, copy and paste, and drag-and-drop between your PC and the VM.
Step 5: Update and protect the VM
- Run Windows Update inside the VM. For continued security fixes, enroll the VM in Extended Security Updates as described in our guide to checking for Windows 10 updates.
- Take a snapshot (VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot) once Windows is set up. You can roll back to it instantly if something breaks.
Troubleshooting
- “This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled”: turn on virtualization in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
- The VM is slow: give it more RAM and CPU cores, store it on an SSD, and install VMware Tools. Recent Workstation versions can run alongside Hyper-V, but performance may be lower; see Hyper-V on Windows 10 if you need to check whether it’s on.
- The VM boots to a network or EFI screen: the ISO wasn’t connected or you missed the “press any key” prompt. Check VM > Settings > CD/DVD and restart the VM.
Other ways to run Windows 10 in a VM
Prefer free open-source software? See how to install Windows 10 in VirtualBox. Windows 10 Pro also includes Hyper-V; see how to create a virtual machine in Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.