Installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Pro is one of the easiest ways to try Linux without changing your current operating system. It allows you to run Ubuntu inside Windows 11 as a virtual machine, making it perfect for testing apps, learning Linux commands, or creating a separate development environment.
The best part is that you don’t need to dual-boot or modify your main system. Ubuntu runs in a secure virtual environment right on your PC.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11 step by step.
How to Install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11
Before we begin, make sure you already have VMware Workstation Pro installed on your PC and have downloaded the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO file. You’ll also need enough RAM and storage for the virtual machine to run smoothly.
1. Open VMware Workstation Pro
The first step is launching VMware Workstation Pro on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click the Start menu and search for VMware Workstation Pro.
- Open the app from the search results.
- Wait for VMware to load completely.
2. Create a New Virtual Machine
Now you need to create a virtual machine where Ubuntu will be installed.
- In VMware, click Create a New Virtual Machine.
- Select Typical (recommended) and click Next.
- Choose Installer disc image file (iso).
- Click Browse and select the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO file.
- Click Next.
3. Configure the Guest Operating System
VMware may automatically detect Ubuntu and preconfigure some settings.
- Select Linux as the guest operating system if not detected automatically.
- Choose Ubuntu 64-bit as the version.
- Click Next to continue.
4. Name the Virtual Machine and Choose Location
You can customize the name and storage location of the VM.
- Enter a name like Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
- Choose a folder location where the VM files will be stored.
- Click Next.
5. Set Disk Size for Ubuntu
Now allocate storage for the virtual machine.
- Set the maximum disk size to at least 25 GB or more.
- Choose Store virtual disk as a single file or split it into multiple files.
- Click Next.
6. Customize Hardware Settings
Before finishing, you can adjust the hardware resources for better performance.
- Click Customize Hardware.
- Set the Memory to at least 4 GB (4096 MB).
- Assign 2 or more processor cores if available.
- Review network and display settings if needed.
- Click Close, then click Finish.
7. Start the Virtual Machine
Now it’s time to boot from the Ubuntu ISO file.
- Select the newly created Ubuntu VM.
- Click Power on this virtual machine.
- Wait for the Ubuntu installer to load.
8. Install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Follow the on-screen Ubuntu installer to complete the installation.
- Select Install Ubuntu.
- Choose your language and keyboard layout.
- Select Normal installation and continue.
- Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu (this only affects the virtual disk).
- Select your time zone.
- Create your username and password.
- Click Continue and wait for installation to finish.
9. Restart and Use Ubuntu
Once the installation is complete, restart the VM and start using Ubuntu.
- Click Restart Now when prompted.
- VMware may automatically disconnect the ISO file.
- If not, remove the ISO manually from VM settings.
- Ubuntu will now boot into the installed system.
Final Thoughts
Installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on VMware Workstation Pro in Windows 11 is a safe and convenient way to explore Linux without making changes to your main operating system. It’s ideal for learning, development, and testing software.
Once set up, you can use Ubuntu just like a normal PC inside a virtual machine and enjoy the flexibility of running both Windows and Linux together.
