The product has been discontinued . It has been replaced by VMware Workstation Pro , which is now 100% free for everyone —including personal, commercial, and educational use. Review: The New "Free" VMware Experience (Workstation Pro)
Many users confuse the "Player" with the "Pro" version. While VMware Workstation Pro is paid software ($199+), the Player is a separate, feature-limited product designed for basic use. vmware player free license
As of late 2024 and moving into 2026, . In a surprising move, Broadcom made the full-featured VMware Workstation Pro free for personal, educational, and even commercial use in some scenarios. The product has been discontinued
If you find the limits of the free license frustrating (e.g., you desperately need a Snapshot), you have two options: the Player is a separate