How to Install Ubuntu Server on VMware Workstation (step by step Guide) with Screenshots

 

Introduction

Ubuntu is a popular flavor of Linux and a versatile operating system. Ubuntu is available for both server and desktop environments. Ubuntu server does not support in graphical installation program instead, it uses text-based process. The Ubuntu desktop has a beautiful and user-friendly graphical interface (GUI).

In previous post we demonstrated a VMware Workstation installation and how to create virtual machine on it. In this Ubuntu Server VMware Workstation tutorial, we'll walk you through the entire Ubuntu Server installation guide step by step, complete with detailed screenshots. By the end of this post, you will be able to create an Ubuntu Server virtual machine in VMware, configure it properly and use it for development, testing or learning Linux in safe virtual environment. For this purpose following steps will be followed.

If you are new to the Linux, it is important to first understand the fundamentals of the operating system. Start with this beginner guide: What is Linux? An Introduction to Linux and Its Popular Distributions.

Step 1 - Download Ubuntu ISO

Go to Ubuntu official website: https://ubuntu.com/download/server and download latest version of Ubuntu Server.

Step 2 – Create New Virtual Machine

In the previous post, it was explained in detail how to create a virtual machine. Let’s create a new virtual machine by following the steps.

Open VMware Workstation and click on New Virtual Machine or go to File and click on New Virtual Machine, you can use shortcut Ctrl +N to create New Virtual Machine as well.

Step 3 – Select Typical and click next

Step 4 – Guest Operating System Installation

Options available as disc installer, ISO file and I will install the Operating system later. It’s your choice, you can select the disc to load the installer media or upload an ISO file for installation. I will select the last option for the reason that I will explain in the next step.

Virtualization software such as the VMware allows you to run the multiple operating systems on a single physical computer. If you have not installed the VMware yet follow our guide on How to Install Vmware Workstation and Create Virtual Machines.

Select I will install later and click next.

Step 5 – Operating System and Version

Select the operating system and its version then click next.

Step 6 – Choose Location of Virtual Machine

Name your virtual machine as per your need as Ubuntu Test server, etc. Click browse and select the location of the virtual machine and click next.

Step 7 – Specify Disk Capacity

Enter the required disk capacity that fulfills your need and click next.

Step 8 – Customize Hardware

Click customized hardware.

Step 9 – Memory Settings

Select maximum memory if you have enough memory on host system. At least 8GB is recommended minimum memory for Linux machine.

Step 10 – Processor Settings

Select the number of processors, the core of the processor and the virtualization engine.

Note: Virtualization should be enabled both in the BIOS settings of the host system and the virtual machine.

Step 11 – Select Ubuntu ISO

Click on Use ISO image file and click on browse to the location of the ISO file.

Step 12 – Confirm Virtual Machine

Review virtual machine settings and click on finish to create and power on the virtual machine.

Step 13 – Power on Virtual Machine

Click on power on this virtual machine to switch on this machine.

Virtual machines are commonly used to create the Linux lab environments for learning and testing the commands. You can learn the basics of working with the Linux systems in our guide on: 10 Linux Basic Commands Every Beginner Should Know.

Step 14 – Install the Ubuntu Operating System

Step 15 – select Language

Select a language and press enter.

Step 16 – Ubuntu Keyboard Configuration

Choose keyboard configuration and select done.

Step 17 – Choose the Base for Installation

Select the type of Ubuntu installation and click done.  Use up/down arrow keys or tab to change fields, spacebar to select an option and enter to proceed or back.

Step 18 - Network Connection

To configure the networking on your Ubuntu Server you should understand the basic Linux networking concepts. See our tutorial on: Linux Basic Networking for Beginners – Complete Guide 2025.

Configure the network connection and press done.

Step 19 – Ubuntu Proxy Address

Select the proxy address if you have any, otherwise leave blank and press done.

Step 20 – Ubuntu Archive Mirror

Configure the archive mirror and click done.

Step 21 – Storage Options

Two options for storage configuration as explained below

Configure guided storage layout

This option creates the partitions automatically and asks for review of the configuration to proceed.

Create a custom one

In this option, partitions are created as the required capacity and need. The remaining process is the same. This option provides you a complete control of partitions.

Configure the storage option as guided storage layout and click done.

Step 22 – Storage Configuration

Review configuration and press done.

Step 23 – Storage Confirmation

Select continue and then press done to accept the storage configuration.

Step 24 – Profile Setup

Enter profile information and press done.

Step 25 – OpenSSH Installation

It is recommended to secure the remote access to your server. Learn how to protect your server by the following our guide on: How to Secure SSH Access on Linux.

Choose to install the OpenSSH server and press done.

Step 26 – Installing the system

System installation progress screen.

Step 27 – Installation complete

Installation is complete and press Reboot Now to reboot the system.

          

Step 28 – Unmounting CDROM Error

Failed with unmounting /cdrom error message may come on the first reboot.

We will remove the installation media from the virtual machine settings. For this click on edit virtual machine settings and click on click on CD/DVD (SATA). Select use physical drive and press ok. Now reboot the virtual machine.

This time the login screen will come.

Enter the username and password that were created on the profile setup step to log in.

Login is successful. That’s all for Ubuntu installation. Learning how to install Ubuntu Server on VMware Workstation is a simple yet powerful way to practice Linux with out affecting your main system. This Ubuntu Server VMware Workstation tutorial has walked you through each step of the process, from creating the virtual machine to completing the Ubuntu Server installation guide with clear screenshots.

Once your Ubuntu Server virtual machine setup is complete, you can use it for development, gaining real-world Linux administration experience. Whether you are a beginner or professional, running Ubuntu Server on VMware gives you flexibility, safety and the ability to experiment freely.

📌 Related Articles

• How to Install VMware Workstation
• Ubuntu Server Installation on VMware Workstation with Custom Partition Layout
• How to Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 9.4)
• How to Use APT and DPKG in Ubuntu

Keep visiting seeklinux for more updates and information.