VMware Workstation is the best known and most complete program to virtualize operating systems that we can find. This software allows us to build our own virtual computer so that we can install any operating system we want on it, both Windows and macOS or Linux. Even retro and old operating systems. In order to offer the best service to all users, VMware is constantly improving its virtualization products and adding new functions and features of all kinds. Now, thanks to the new version 16, VMware Workstation has gone one step further to distance itself even more from its rivals.
Just a few hours ago, those responsible for this software announced the availability of the new version 16 of it. In addition, this launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of virtualization software , so the company wanted to celebrate it in style with new functions, features and even new prices.
What’s New in VMware Workstation 16
New support for Docker containers
One of the biggest novelties that we are going to find in this new version, and highly requested by users (especially professionals) is the arrival of support for containers and for Kubernetes . Thanks to the new vctl tool, VMware creates a new docker-compatible socket in which we will be able to create all kinds of containers and work with them as if they were in any other infrastructure.
DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 to run 3D games
3D acceleration has always been the unfinished business of virtual machines. Now, with the release of this new version, VMware Workstation virtual machines will be able to make use of DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 technologies. To do this, users can reserve up to 8 GB of graphics memory for 3D acceleration and be able to maximize the experience when running very heavy 3D programs and games.
New dark mode
Nowadays, all applications must have a dark mode or else people complain. Therefore, VMware was not going to be less, and its new versions Workstation and Player 16 now include this feature. The new dark mode of this virtualization software fits perfectly with the color scheme of Windows 10 version 2004.
Sandbox Renderer, a new security measure
From now on, virtual machines created with this program will have a new security measure: Sandbox Renderer . This causes the graphics engine to run on a different child than the rest of the virtual machine, which will improve performance while reducing the overall privilege level of the VM.
Vulkan Graphics Rendering Engine for Linux machines
Virtualized Linux systems will now be able to use the new Vulkan API library. Thanks to this new virtualization system, all operating systems will be able to take advantage of DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 technologies, even those that use an integrated Intel graphics card.
Accessibility improvements
Improvements have been included in the accessibility options of the program to allow any user to use this software without any barrier.
USB 3.1 support
Finally, now USB 3.1 devices can be connected to virtual machines with full driver support, which will allow us to make the most of the performance of these devices and peripherals.
to download
This new version is almost ready to start reaching users, although at the moment we can still only find version 15.5 to download, both on the web and from the updater included in the program. The release of the new version 16 of this software is scheduled to arrive at the end of October , so we still have to wait a few more weeks. As soon as it is available, we can download it from its website , or using the actual updater included within the program.
Price wise, VMware Workstation Pro is paid software. Therefore, to use it, we will have to acquire a license. Until now, this license cost 250 euros, or 150 if it came from a previous version. However, starting today, the Workstation Pro license will cost 199 euros , or 99 if we have the license of a previous version and want to update it. Users who purchase a VMware Workstation 15.5 license from today until the release of version 16 will be upgraded to the new version 16 for free.
