VMware Workstation and Fusion 25H2 Released with New Features and Latest OS Support

In Cybersecurity News - Original News Source is cybersecuritynews.com by Blog Writer

VMware has launched Workstation 25H2 and Fusion 25H2, the newest iterations of its desktop hypervisors, featuring a revamped versioning system, enhanced tools, and broader compatibility with modern hardware and operating systems.

These updates aim to streamline virtualization for developers, IT professionals, and testers by improving performance, automation, and support for cutting-edge platforms.

The releases introduce a calendar-based naming convention, shifting from sequential numbers like 17.6.x or 13.6.x to 25H2, denoting the second half of 2025.

This model simplifies release tracking, upgrade planning, and consistency across VMware’s product lineup, making it easier for users to stay current with updates.

By aligning versions with time periods, VMware ensures clearer communication about publication dates and feature rollouts.

Key Feature Enhancements

Several new capabilities target automation and usability. The dictTool command-line utility now allows inspection and editing of .vmx configuration files and user preferences, fulfilling community requests for advanced scripting and customization options.

USB 3.2 support accelerates data transfers and boosts compatibility with contemporary peripherals across both products. Hardware Version 22 enables virtual machines to leverage the latest virtual hardware for superior performance and feature access.

Workstation exclusively adds Hyper-V/WHP detection, displaying the VM’s running mode for better troubleshooting on Windows hosts.

Support for new CPUs and operating systems addresses the demands of evolving workloads. Workstation now accommodates Intel’s Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake, and Meteor Lake processors, enhancing host performance on recent hardware.

Guest OS additions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Fedora Linux 42, openSUSE Leap 16.0 (RC), SUSE Linux 16 (Beta), Debian 13, Oracle Linux 10, VMware ESXi 9.0 (general for Workstation, Intel-only for Fusion), and macOS Tahoe (Intel-only for Fusion).

Host OS expansions cover RHEL 10, Fedora 42, openSUSE Leap 16.0 (RC), SUSE Linux 16 (Beta), and Debian 13 for Workstation, while Fusion supports macOS Tahoe on both Intel and Apple Silicon systems.

These updates ensure seamless virtualization of emerging technologies without compatibility hurdles.

Bug Fixes And Security Improvements

The 25H2 versions incorporate numerous refinements for stability and security. Security patches address vulnerabilities in both Workstation and Fusion, bolstering protection against potential threats.

Accessibility improvements enhance interface navigation for diverse users. Workstation fixes include resolving Windows UI resizing issues, optimizing Linux support bundles, curbing excessive vmauthd logging in Event Viewer, adding VM suspend state discard options, and correcting Linux full-screen crashes, plus Intel GPU 3D acceleration problems.

Fusion resolves dead key input glitches and ensures USB “Plug in Action” settings persist reliably. These changes tackle common pain points, improving overall reliability.

Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro 25H2 launch in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish, broadening accessibility worldwide.

Building on the free model introduced earlier, VMware expands its Customer FAQ at vmware.com/docs/desktop-hypervisor-faqs, covering community queries and direct feedback for quick resolutions.

Downloads require registration via the official VMware site, with ongoing updates promised to maintain relevance. This release solidifies VMware’s commitment to robust desktop virtualization amid rapid tech advancements.

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