How to Run Ubuntu in Windows 7 with VMware Player

Overview

So, you need to use Linux, but prefer the convenience of Windows 7? You're in luck, because with VMware Player, you can install a full copy of Ubuntu and integrate it with your Windows 7 computer for free!

VMware Player makes it easy to install Ubuntu Linux as a virtual machine in only a few clicks. It then offers easy access to Ubuntu programs straight from your desktop with Unity mode. Here’s how you can set this up on your computer.

Note: For the instructions and screenshots below, VMware Player 4 and Ubuntu 11.10 were used.

Getting Started

First, download and install VMware Player. It is a free download, but requires registration.

When you are finished installing VMware Player, you will have to restart your computer.

Install Ubuntu

Once you have installed VMware Player and downloaded Ubuntu, you’re ready to setup Ubuntu. Open VMware Player, and choose "Create a New Virtual Machine" (or press "Ctrl + N").

You can install Ubuntu from a disk, or directly from the ISO file you downloaded. Using the ISO file is the simplest method; however, if you do have an Ubuntu disk, then feel free to use that instead. Once you’ve selected your install media, VMware Player will automatically detect Ubuntu and will show that it will be installed with Easy Install. Click "Next" to continue.

Now enter your name, user name, and password. All fields are required.

Now, choose a name for your virtual machine and where to save it. Simply click "Next" to accept the defaults.

You can choose how large you want your virtual hard drive to be; the default for Ubuntu is 20 GB, but you can choose a different size if you wish. Please note that the entire 20 GB will not be used up on your hard drive initially. It only took up 5.5 GB with a clean install, but this will increase as you install programs and save files. The single file option is better in this case, for increased performance, since the virtual machine will not be transferred to another computer.

And that’s it! You can review your settings and change them here if you wish, or simply click "Finish" to start installing Ubuntu!

VMware Player will now install Ubuntu without any further input. The window may show cryptic commands, but don’t worry, as you don’t have to do anything else to install Ubuntu.

Once your virtual machine prompts you for your password, login into Ubuntu and your setup is complete!

Integrate Ubuntu with Windows 7

You can already use all of Ubuntu’s tools and features directly from the Ubuntu desktop in VMware Player. But, if you would like to use your Ubuntu programs seamlessly in Windows, you need to activate Unity mode. Click the "Virtual Machine" drop-down and then "Enter Unity" in the VMware Player menu.

Now, you will have an Ubuntu menu right above your Windows 7 Start button!

By default, the Ubuntu windows will have a border and VMware logo on them.

To change this, click the "Virtual Machine" drop-down and then "Virtual Machine Settings..." in the VMware Player menu (or press "Ctrl + D"). In the "Virtual Machine Settings" window, click the "Options" tab, and under "Unity", uncheck the "Show borders" and "Show badges" boxes.

Now the windows will look just like they do in Ubuntu.

You can run Ubuntu windows side-by-side with Windows 7 windows, and can copy and paste, drag-and-drop between the windows, and more! The Ubuntu programs’ icons show up in the taskbar the same as normal Windows programs.