Broadcom has launched VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 and Fusion 25H2, introducing USB 3.2 support, virtual hardware version 22, and expanded operating system compatibility. These desktop hypervisors adopt a new calendar-based versioning system for the second half of 2025. The updates enhance performance and automation for developers and IT professionals.
The releases mark a shift to a calendar-based naming convention, with 25H2 denoting the second half of 2025, simplifying release tracking and upgrade planning across VMware's products. Key enhancements include USB 3.2 support, which accelerates data transfers and improves compatibility with modern peripherals like external SSDs. Virtual hardware version 22 provides guest systems with access to more modern hardware features for better performance.
Workstation Pro 25H2, build 24995812, adds detection of Hyper-V and the Windows Hypervisor Platform to improve compatibility when running multiple virtualization tools on Windows hosts. It also supports new Intel processors, including Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake, and Meteor Lake, enhancing host performance.
Expanded guest operating systems include Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Fedora Linux 42, openSUSE Leap 16.0 (RC), SUSE Linux 16 (Beta), Debian 13, Oracle Linux 10, and VMware ESXi 9.0. For hosts, additions cover RHEL 10, Fedora 42, openSUSE Leap 16.0 (RC), SUSE Linux 16 (Beta), and Debian 13 on Workstation, while Fusion supports macOS Tahoe on Intel and Apple Silicon systems. Fusion also gains support for macOS Tahoe as a guest on Intel systems.
A new dictTool command-line utility allows inspection and editing of .vmx configuration files, addressing community requests for scripting options. Bug fixes address issues like crashes in full-screen mode under Linux, incorrect Event Viewer messages on Windows, performance problems during support bundle collection, and 3D acceleration with Intel Meteor Lake GPUs on Linux. Fusion fixes include dead key input glitches and persistent USB settings. Security patches bolster protection in both products.
The vctl utility has been removed from Workstation Pro. Both products are free for any use since late 2024 and available in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Broadcom confirmed Workstation will not be discontinued, with downloads requiring registration on the VMware site.