VMware Workstation allows users to create shared folders between the host and guest operating system, making file transfers seamless. This feature is particularly useful for development, testing, and administrative tasks. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a shared folder in VMware Workstation.

If you’re looking for reliable VPS or dedicated servers for virtualization, AvaHost offers high-performance hosting solutions optimized for VMware and other virtualization platforms.

Step 1: Power Off the Virtual Machine

Before adding a shared folder, ensure that the virtual machine (VM) is powered off.

  1. Open VMware Workstation.
  2. Select the virtual machine where you want to create a shared folder.
  3. Click Power Off if the VM is running.

Step 2: Open Virtual Machine Settings

  1. Select your virtual machine.
  2. Click Edit virtual machine settings.
  3. In the Hardware tab, select Options.
  4. Click on Shared Folders.

Step 3: Enable Shared Folders

  1. Under the Folder Sharing section, choose Always enabled or Enabled until next power off or suspend.
  2. Click Add to create a new shared folder.

Step 4: Select the Shared Folder Location

  1. In the Add Shared Folder Wizard, click Next.
  2. Click Browse and select the folder on your host machine that you want to share.
  3. Enter a name for the shared folder.
  4. Check the Enable this share box.
  5. Click Finish.

Step 5: Access the Shared Folder in the Guest OS

Once the shared folder is added, start the virtual machine. Access the shared folder as follows:

  • Windows Guest OS: Open File Explorer and navigate to:
    \vmware-host\Shared Folders
  • Linux Guest OS: Open a terminal and enter:
    cd /mnt/hgfs/
ls

Step 6: Install VMware Tools (If Necessary)

For shared folders to work, VMware Tools must be installed in the guest OS.

Install VMware Tools in Windows:

  1. Go to VM > Install VMware Tools.
  2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
  3. Restart the guest OS after installation.

Install VMware Tools in Linux:

  1. Open a terminal and run:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop -y
  2. Restart the virtual machine.

Conclusion

Creating a shared folder in VMware Workstation makes it easy to transfer files between the host and guest operating systems. By following these steps, you can enable and access shared folders efficiently.