VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 (Build 24319023), released in October 2024, is a critical update in the software's history, primarily because it marks the transition to a free-for-personal-use model following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. Key Features & Enhancements
New OS Support: This version expands compatibility to include modern operating systems like Windows Server 2025 and Ubuntu 24.04 for both host and guest environments.
VMCLI Tool: A new command-line utility, vmcli, was introduced to help tech professionals automate and streamline virtual machine management.
Security & Encryption: Features enhanced sandboxing and faster encryption options, including support for vTPM 2.0, which is essential for running Windows 11 virtual machines.
Advanced Networking: Includes virtual network customization, simulation of network bandwidth/packet loss, and direct connection to vSphere/ESXi servers for enterprise-grade testing.
Hardware Efficiency: Supports up to 8GB of graphics memory and DirectX 11/OpenGL 4.3 for improved 3D application performance. System Requirements
Issue: "Intel VT-x is disabled in the BIOS"
Issue: VM is very slow
Issue: Network not working in VM
VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 (Build 24319023) represents a maintenance update released around October 2024, focusing on refined hardware compatibility and integration following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware Der Windows Papst Key Technical Updates in 17.6.1 Operating System Support : Strengthens compatibility for Windows 11 as both a host and guest. Graphics & Performance : Continued support for OpenGL 4.3 DirectX 11
, providing hardware-accelerated 3D graphics for complex workloads. Security Infrastructure : Features an improved Virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) 2.0 and introduces Fast Encryption
, which encrypts only essential files to maintain high performance in Windows 11 VMs. New Management Tools : Includes
, a command-line utility that allows users to interact with the hypervisor via terminal on Windows, Linux, or macOS for automated VM creation and management. VMware Blogs Changes in Distribution & Deployment
VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 is a maintenance release that improves stability, enhances guest OS support for Windows 11 and Server 2025, and brings official free licensing for personal use. The update introduces improved vTPM performance, local VM auto-start, and removes features like Unity mode and certain hardware passthroughs. For the full release notes, visit Broadcom TechDocs. VMware Workstation 17.6.1 Pro Release Notes
VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 Build 24319023 is a maintenance update that focuses on stability and bug fixes while solidifying a major shift in the product's licensing model. This version is a solid choice for technical professionals needing a robust local sandbox, though long-time users may find the removal of legacy features jarring. Key Highlights & Changes Free for Personal Use VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 Build 24319023 -...
: Following Broadcom's acquisition, Workstation Pro is now available for free to individual users for non-commercial purposes. Maintenance Focus
: Build 24319023 provides various customer-requested bug fixes rather than introducing major new capabilities. Modernized Platform
: It continues to support modern hardware and guest operating systems like Windows 11 (with vTPM) and Ubuntu 24.04. Command-Line Utility : This release includes
, a command-line tool allowing users to interact with the hypervisor directly from Windows, Linux, or macOS terminals. Pros and Cons
VMware Workstation Pro v17.6.1 Build 24319023 is a critical maintenance update released by Broadcom in October 2024 to address specific bugs introduced in version 17.6.0. Key Highlights of Version 17.6.1
Windows 11 24H2 Fix: The most significant fix addresses a bug where the previous version misidentified Windows 11 24H2 ISOs as Windows Server 2025, which caused issues during the "Easy Install" process.
Stability Improvements: It resolves a critical svga Exception 0xc0000005 error that occurred when powering on virtual machines with 3D graphics disabled while hardware acceleration was globally enabled. VMware Workstation Pro v17
Installation Fixes: A fix was implemented for MSI errors that occurred during installation on non-English host systems.
New "Free" Model: While this specific build is a patch, it falls under the new licensing model where Workstation Pro is free for personal use. As of March 2025, this has been extended to include commercial and educational use at no cost. User Experience & "Interesting" Findings
Reviews and community feedback for this specific build are mixed, highlighting a transition period under Broadcom's ownership:
Релиз VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.1 и Fusion Pro 13.6.1
Broadcom’s security bulletin (VMSA-2024-0019) lists two critical vulnerabilities fixed in Build 24319023:
Recommendation: If you are running any v17 build prior to 24319023, update immediately.