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How to Create a VMware Shared Folder
Creating shared folders in VMware is essential for efficient file exchange between the host machine and a guest operating system (VM). Whether you’re managing complex development environments, running Linux/Windows guests, or automating builds, shared folders streamline your workflow. This guide covers advanced setup and troubleshooting techniques for both VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Fusion.
Step 1: Create a Shared Folder in VMware UI
Open VMware Workstation / Fusion
Select your VM → Go to Settings
Click Options tab → Select Shared Folders
Enable:
✔️ Always enabled (recommended)
Click Add… and follow the wizard:
Choose a folder on the host machine
Give it a name (e.g., Shared)
Mark as Read-only if needed
Click Finish, then OK to apply.
Step 2: Install VMware Tools (Guest Side)
VMware Tools enables the shared folder mechanism inside the guest OS.
On Linux Guests (Ubuntu/Debian/CentOS)
sudo apt updatesudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop -yThen restart the VM:
sudo rebootOn Windows Guests
From VMware menu: VM > Install VMware Tools
Mounts a virtual CD → Run setup.exe
Restart the guest after installation
Step 3: Mount the Shared Folder (Linux Guest)
After rebooting, check if VMware Tools detected the shared folder:
vmhgfs-fuse .host:/ /mnt/hgfs -o allow_otherTo mount a specific folder:
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/hgfs/Shared
sudo vmhgfs-fuse .host:/Shared /mnt/hgfs/Shared -o allow_otherIf vmhgfs-fuse is not found, install it:
sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop -yAutomate Mount at Boot (Linux)
Edit /etc/fstab:
.host:/Shared /mnt/hgfs/Shared fuse.vmhgfs-fuse allow_other,defaults 0 0Optional: Ensure the /mnt/hgfs/Shared directory exists on boot
Add to crontab (as root):
@reboot mkdir -p /mnt/hgfs/Shared && mount -aAccess Shared Folder in Windows Guest
After reboot, go to:
This PC > Network LocationsOr navigate directly to:
\\vmware-host\Shared FoldersYou can map it to a drive letter:
Right-click This PC → Map Network Drive
Use \\vmware-host\Shared Folders\YourFolder
Choose drive letter (e.g., Z:) → ✔️ Reconnect at sign-in
🔍 Advanced Troubleshooting
1. Shared Folder Not Visible in Linux?
Make sure vmhgfs-fuse is installed and VMware Tools is running:
Restart vmtoolsd:
Try manual mount again.
2. File Permission Issues?
Use the allow_other flag and set appropriate permissions:
sudo vmhgfs-fuse .host:/Shared /mnt/hgfs/Shared -o allow_other,umask=00223. Shared Folder Doesn’t Appear in Windows?
Reinstall VMware Tools
Check firewall/antivirus
Make sure folder is enabled in VMware UI
Check Services.msc → VMware Tools is running
Tips for Developers & Power Users
Use shared folders to:
Sync build artifacts between host and guest
Share scripts, ISO files, configs
Run code editors on host, compile/test in guest
Use rsync or inotify with shared folders for live file sync
For persistent dev setups, mount shared folder into Docker containers running inside the VM
Conclusion
Shared folders in VMware enhance productivity by providing seamless integration between host and guest systems. With proper setup of VMware Tools and vmhgfs-fuse, you gain reliable and performant access to host resources from within any guest OS. Automating the mount process and tweaking permissions makes this setup ideal for daily development, automation, and cross-platform workflows.
This setup also minimizes friction when transferring project files, logs, or artifacts between environments. It enables faster iteration cycles by allowing developers to work directly on shared codebases without redundant syncing operations. Ultimately, it delivers a smooth, efficient, and highly flexible environment that benefits both beginners and advanced virtualization users.
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