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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To install Windows 11 in VMware Workstation, download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft, create a virtual machine with UEFI, Secure Boot capability and a virtual TPM 2.0, then boot the VM from the ISO and follow Windows Setup. Microsoft’s minimum VM baseline is two virtual processors, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage; allocate more if your host has resources to spare.
Check the Windows 11 requirements first
Microsoft’s minimum requirements for a Windows 11 virtual machine are at least two virtual processors, 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, Secure Boot capability and a virtual TPM. These are minimum thresholds, not performance recommendations. A larger allocation may make Windows more usable, but it must fit within the host computer’s available resources.
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The underlying device requirements include a compatible 64-bit processor with two or more cores. Internet access is needed for updates and some features. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements for the full requirements and current details.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteConfirm that your host has enough available processor, memory and storage for both its own work and the guest. VMware Workstation menus and supported features can vary by release; consult documentation for your installed version rather than assuming that a setting appears under a particular menu.
Download the Windows 11 ISO
- Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
- Choose the ISO for the guest architecture. Microsoft provides an x64 ISO and a separate ARM64 ISO; use the one that matches the intended guest.
- Download the ISO and note where it is saved. Microsoft describes the x64 ISO as multi-edition; the edition selection is based on the product key.
- Before installing, check Microsoft’s Windows release information for known issues that could affect the version you plan to install.
The ISO is sufficient for a VM that boots from a virtual CD/DVD drive. You do not need to create a USB installer for this workflow.
Create and configure the VMware virtual machine
Create a new virtual machine in VMware Workstation and configure it to meet Microsoft’s VM requirements. The exact interface depends on the Workstation release, so use that release’s documentation for the specific controls.
- Firmware and security: Set the VM to UEFI, enable Secure Boot capability, and add a virtual TPM 2.0.
- Processor: Assign at least two virtual processors.
- Memory: Assign at least 4 GB of RAM.
- Storage: Provide at least 64 GB of virtual disk capacity.
- Installation media: Connect the downloaded Windows 11 ISO to the VM’s virtual CD/DVD drive.
Microsoft notes that VM configuration procedures depend on the host type. These requirements describe what the guest must have; they are not VMware-specific menu instructions.
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- Start the VM and boot it from the attached ISO. If it does not start Windows Setup, check the VM’s boot order and confirm that the ISO is connected.
- In Windows Setup, choose the language and other requested preferences, then continue.
- Select the Windows edition when prompted. The available edition depends on the ISO and product key.
- Accept the license terms and choose the installation option.
- Select the VM’s virtual disk as the destination. This is the virtual disk you assigned to the guest, not a physical host disk.
- Let Setup copy files and restart the VM as needed. Complete the first-use setup prompts.
For Windows 11 Home, Microsoft requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete first-use setup. Connect the guest to the internet when prompted. Once setup is complete, check for Windows updates; internet is required for updates and some Windows features.
Fix a Windows 11 requirements error in the VM
If Setup reports that the VM does not meet Windows 11 requirements, verify the configuration rather than changing the physical host’s settings at random. Check that the guest has at least two virtual processors, 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of virtual storage, and that UEFI, Secure Boot capability and virtual TPM 2.0 are configured. Those settings correspond to Microsoft’s stated VM baseline.
If a required control is missing or unavailable, check the documentation for your specific VMware Workstation release and host. The available Microsoft requirements documentation does not specify VMware’s menu paths or establish compatibility for every Workstation version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Know the support and compatibility limits
Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on a device below minimum requirements can cause compatibility problems and leave it unsupported and without updates. Review the current requirements and release information before proceeding. Microsoft’s Windows 11 download and requirements pages are the authoritative starting points for current ISO availability and installation prerequisites.
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