This new policy means:

While 16.2.3 remains a solid version of the software, focusing on it now misses the bigger picture. The world of VMware has changed dramatically since its release, and you should be using a newer, free version instead.

Using pirated software in a business setting violates intellectual property laws, risking compliance audits and heavy corporate fines.

Before installing, ensure your host computer meets or exceeds these hardware standards: Minimum Requirement Recommended 64-bit Intel or AMD CPU (2GHz or faster) Intel Core i5/i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen (6+ Cores) OS (Host) Windows 10, Windows 11, or Linux Latest Windows 11 Pro / Ubuntu 22.04 LTS RAM 16 GB or higher Storage Solid State Drive (SSD) NVMe SSD with ample space for guest OS virtual disks ⚖️ Commercial vs. Personal Licensing

The most crucial information for you is that VMware by Broadcom has radically changed its licensing policy. As of the 2025 releases (like version 25H2), VMware Workstation Pro is available at no charge for all use cases.

VMware Workstation Pro 16 is a leading desktop virtualization software that allows developers, IT professionals, and businesses to run multiple, isolated operating systems on a single physical Windows or Linux PC.

What are you running on your main computer?

You no longer need to scour the web for a . By taking advantage of Broadcom’s new personal use policy, you can run a fully licensed, secure, and updated version of the software for free.