Guide to Install Linux on Windows PC

Posted by Savvy marco
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Sep 24, 2020
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Windows and Linux are the two most popular operating systems, and both of them have their unique benefits. Trying out on the Linux operating system without giving up on the windows desktop might seem impossible, but it’s doable. To experience that, you have to set up a VMware Workstation Player virtual machine to run any version of Linux on your Windows PC. Dual-booting is one popular method for such cases, but it has its fair share of troubles as well. But using a virtual machine is a relatively easy method. Follow the guide given below to install Linux effortlessly.

Use A PC That Supports Virtualization

But first, let’s look at what a virtual machine is? A Virtual machine enables you to run other operating systems on your existing PC with its software environment that replicates the conditions of a hardware environment. This software environment is based on your PC’s hardware, and it is limited within the components only. Using a VM tool, you can easily install the Linux operating system. 

Currently, VMware is the best platform for this purpose as it allows you to experience products in a virtual lab environment without requiring any installation, license, or special hardware. You can also install the Evaluation versions of their products in your environment.

Install VMware Workstation Player

Start by visiting the VMware website and installing the latest version of their Workstation Player tool. We would recommend using the VMware Workstation 15 Player, which is available for free. The VMware Workstation Player available for non-commercial, personal, and home use. It includes everything you would need for the standard virtual machine tasks. After downloading the VMware Workstation Player, launch the installer and follow the installation wizard appearing on your screen. From there, you can also install the Enhanced Keyboard Driver which might help you later in the process. After visiting the installation wizard, restart your desktop.

Create Your Linux Virtual Machine

Decide the Linux OS version you want to install on your desktop and keep it on downloads. While your Linux ISO downloads, start configuring your virtual machine by launching the VMware Workstation Player. Follow these steps, when you’re ready to create a VM:

  1. Click on ‘Create a New Virtual Machine.’
  2. Select the default option, Installer Disc Image File (iso).
  3. Select Browse to find the ISO file.
  4. Select the ‘guest’ OS, click on Next.
  5. Then, select Linux as your Guest operating system type.
  6. Under the Version section, select the operating system (OS).
  7. Click on Next to proceed and insert a name for your Virtual Machine.
  8. Confirm the storage Location and save the changes.

After selecting and configuring the operating system, you can start building the virtual machine.

  1. From the Specify Disk Capacity section, adjust Maximum Disk Size. You can set it on default as well.
  2. Now, select Split Virtual Disk into Multiple Files to make the shifting procedure easy.
  3. Click on Next and confirm the details on the following screen.
  4. Click on the Finish option to save the changes.

Your Linux virtual machine will be added to VMware Workstation Player.

Customize Your Virtual Hardware

At times, you might need to customize the virtual machine before installing Linux to eliminate any troubles or missing components on the way. For customization, give a right-click to your virtual machine in VMware Workstation Player and select Settings. From all the options available, it is wide to check the Processors screen. From the right-hand side panel, check the reference to a Virtualization Engine. It should work automatically, but for troubleshooting, set Intel VT-x or AMD-V, based on the CPU you use.

From the Memory screen, you can check the performance, suggested RAM size, recommended options for your virtual machine, and more. Follow the recommendations appearing on your screen. Then, check the Display settings and make the necessary changes. Click OK to confirm, then select the virtual machine and click on the Play button to begin.


Install VMware Tools

In the initial boot stage of your virtual machine, you’ll be prompted to download and install VMware Tools for Linux. Click on OK and wait for the download to complete. Later, you’ll be able to launch the Linux virtual machine using the Play button in the VMware Workstation Player.

Install Any Linux Distro

For easy access to Linux, install it in a virtual machine on Windows PC. Use the tools from VMware Workstation Player, and use the following steps:

  1. Download the free VMware Workstation Player.
  2. Install, and restart Windows.
  3. Create and configure your virtual machine.
  4. Then, install Linux in the virtual machine, and restart the virtual machine.

Your Linux OS will be ready to use. You can use multiple Linux distros by installing them from VMware. We would recommend you to choose the Linux distros carefully and ensure that they are suited to run

I’m Anny. I’m a social media manager living in USA. I am a fan of technology, design, and music. I’m also interested in fitness and movies. 

Source: Guide to Install Linux on Windows PC ​

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