7 Best Download: Vmware Workstation Player 15.5

Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7: A Complete Guide

If you are looking to run a second, isolated operating system on your Windows or Linux PC, VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7 remains one of the most stable and popular choices. While newer versions have been released, version 15.5.7 is often sought after for its compatibility with older hardware and specific legacy software environments.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about downloading, installing, and getting started with this specific build. What is VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7?

VMware Workstation Player is a Type 2 Hypervisor. This means it runs on top of your existing operating system (the "host") and allows you to create "guest" virtual machines.

Version 15.5.7 was a significant maintenance release that focused on:

Security Fixes: Addressing vulnerabilities found in earlier 15.x builds.

Host Compatibility: Improved support for Windows 10 updates and various Linux distributions.

Stability: Resolving bugs related to virtual network adapters and USB connectivity. System Requirements

Before you begin the download, ensure your hardware can handle virtualization:

CPU: A compatible 64-bit x86 processor (Intel Core i3 or higher / AMD Ryzen). RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB or more is highly recommended). vmware workstation player 15.5 7 download

OS: Windows 7/8/10 or a 64-bit Linux distribution (Ubuntu, CentOS, etc.).

BIOS/UEFI: Virtualization technology (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) must be enabled in your BIOS settings. How to Download VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7

Since VMware was acquired by Broadcom, the download location has moved. To find the official installer:

Visit the Broadcom Support Portal: VMware products are now hosted under the Broadcom software downloads section.

Search the Archives: Navigate to the "Product Downloads" section and look for VMware Workstation Player.

Select Version 15: Use the dropdown menu to select the 15.x major version and locate the 15.5.7 maintenance release.

Choose Your OS: Download the .exe file for Windows or the .bundle file for Linux.

Note: Always avoid third-party "mirror" sites to prevent downloading malware. Stick to official Broadcom/VMware sources. Installation Steps (Windows) Once you have the installer, follow these steps: Launch the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file.

Enhanced Keyboard Driver: You may be asked if you want to install the "Enhanced Keyboard Driver." This is recommended for better handling of international keyboards and Ctrl+Alt+Del commands. Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation Player 15

User Experience: Choose whether you want to join the improvement program.

License: VMware Workstation Player is free for personal, non-commercial use. If you are using it for home learning, you can simply finish the installation without entering a key.

Restart: A system reboot is usually required to initialize the virtual network drivers. Why Choose 15.5.7 Over Newer Versions?

While version 17.x is the current standard, users often stick with 15.5.7 because:

Legacy Hardware: It runs better on older CPUs that might not support the hardware requirements of newer VMware versions.

OS Support: It offers excellent stability for Windows 7 guests, which some older industrial or specialized software requires.

Resource Usage: It typically has a slightly smaller footprint on system resources compared to the more feature-heavy modern versions. Getting Started with Your First VM

After installation, open the program and click "Create a New Virtual Machine." You will need an ISO file of the operating system you want to install (like Windows 10 or Ubuntu). Point the wizard to that ISO, allocate your RAM and Disk space, and you'll have a running virtual computer in minutes.

Are you planning to use this for software testing or to run a legacy operating system? Host Operating Systems:

Since this is a specific older version, it can be difficult to locate on the modern Broadcom website. Below you will find the Key Features of this version and the Direct Download Link.

Uninstalling (If You Need to Switch Versions)

To cleanly remove 15.5.7:

Windows:
Control Panel → Programs and Features → VMware Workstation Player → Uninstall.

Linux:
sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-player

Always reboot after uninstalling before installing a newer version.

4. System Requirements

Before initiating a download, the host system must meet specific requirements to run version 15.5.7 effectively:

Step 7 – Install VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7

Windows

  1. Run the .exe as Administrator.
  2. Follow the wizard – typical installation is fine.
  3. Restart if prompted.

Linux

  1. Make the bundle executable: 
    chmod +x VMware-Player-15.5.7-xxxxxx.x86_64.bundle
  2. Run as root: 
    sudo ./VMware-Player-15.5.7-xxxxxx.x86_64.bundle
  3. Follow the GUI/text prompts.

3. USB Devices Not Recognized

Fix: In the VM settings, set USB compatibility to USB 3.0. Also, install VMware Tools inside the guest OS.

What’s New in VMware Workstation Player 15.5.7?

Released as a maintenance update, 15.5.7 focuses on security and bug fixes rather than new features. Key changes include:

Because of these security patches, upgrading or installing 15.5.7 is strongly recommended over earlier 15.x builds (15.0, 15.1, etc.).

Step 5 – Download the Installer

  1. Click the “Download Now” button next to the chosen file.
  2. If prompted to agree to the VMware EULA, check the box and confirm.
  3. The download will start automatically. File size: ~150–200 MB.

System requirements (general)