VMware Workstation and Fusion 26H1: Performance, Visibility, and Modern Architecture

We are excited to announce the general availability of VMware Workstation 26H1 and VMware Fusion 26H1. These updates continue the evolution of our desktop hypervisors, delivering critical architectural transitions for Windows users, enhanced visibility for VM management, and expanded support for the latest hardware and operating systems.

This release builds on the foundational changes introduced in our previous 25H2 update, where we transitioned to calendar versioning and introduced powerful automation tools like dictTool. As we move through 2026, we remain focused on ensuring your virtualization environment stays modern, efficient, and aligned with industry standards.

Modern Architectural Alignment: 64-Bit VMware Workstation Pro

With the 26H1 release, VMware Workstation Pro for Windows is now a 64-bit application. This transition ensures that most binaries, libraries, and installer components execute as 64-bit processes. By aligning the hypervisor with modern hardware and software standards, we are delivering a more stable and performant foundation for the most demanding virtualized workloads.

Enhanced Visibility and Streamlined Management

Managing a complex library of virtual machines requires quick access to information. Building on the organizational improvements seen in recent releases, 26H1 introduces new “quality-of-life” features to help you stay organized:

• Lifecycle Timestamps (VMware Workstation & Fusion): Instantly identify VMs by their creation and last powered-on timestamps. This simplifies the tracking of long-term projects and the cleanup of temporary test environments.
• Integrated Folder Notes (VMware Workstation): We have brought VM notes directly into the folder tabs for VMware Workstation. This provides immediate access to critical metadata and documentation without requiring you to navigate through individual settings menus.
• Credential Manager Clarity (VMware Workstation): The saved credential format for encrypted VMs and remote servers has been modernized for VMware Workstation. This helps ensure that VMware-specific entries are easily identifiable within your host platform’s native credential manager.

Expanding Remote Connectivity to ESXi ARM Servers

 As development environments diversify, cross-architecture connectivity is essential. This release introduces the ability to connect to remote ARM-based ESXi, allowing users to manage VMs on remote ARM servers directly from VMware Workstation or Fusion on any supported platform.*

Leading OS and Hardware Support

Staying current with the newest platforms is a primary goal for our community. Workstation and Fusion 26H1 continue to lead the market by supporting the latest guest and host operating systems:

New Guest OS Support (VMware Workstation & Fusion):

• Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
• Fedora 43 & 44
• SUSE Linux Enterprise 16 & openSUSE 16.0
• FreeBSD 15.0

New Host OS Support (VMware Workstation):

• Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
• Fedora 43 & 44
• SUSE Linux Enterprise 16 & openSUSE 16.0

Stability and Reliability

In addition to new features, this release includes several functional and security improvements that support a stable, protected virtualization experience. We have also resolved UI issues so all Help buttons and links correctly navigate to the Broadcom Technical Documentation portal for faster access to guidance.

Customer Resources and Availability

We are committed to providing clear, accessible information for our global user base. Our Customer FAQ remains the single, reliable destination for up-to-date guidance on licensing, configuration, and community-raised questions.

Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro 26H1 are available today via the Broadcom Support Portal. As a reminder, both products remain free for commercial, educational, and personal use, providing every professional with access to the industry’s leading desktop hypervisor.

Product Downloads and Release Notes

• Download VMware Workstation Pro 26H1
• Download VMware Workstation Player 26H1
• Download VMware Fusion Pro 26H1
• VMware Workstation 26H1 Release Notes
• VMware Fusion 26H1 Release Notes

Looking Ahead

With our calendar versioning strategy and focus on architectural modernization, VMware Workstation and Fusion remain the industry standard for desktop virtualization. We will continue to refine these products and supporting resources with each release—giving you the tools you need today and the confidence to scale your environment tomorrow.

*Note: ESXi ARM Server is in Tech Preview mode.