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VMware Workstation users are experiencing issues with the software’s automatic update functionality after Broadcom redirected the download URL to its generic support page, triggering certificate errors. This has caused frustration among IT professionals and developers relying on VMware for virtualization.
➡️ Learn more: BleepingComputer
You Should Know: Troubleshooting VMware Workstation Update Issues
If you’re affected by this issue, here are some verified steps and commands to mitigate the problem:
1. Manual Update Download
Since automatic updates are failing, manually download the latest VMware Workstation version from Broadcom’s official support portal.
- Visit: Broadcom Support
- Search for “VMware Workstation” and download the latest version.
2. Certificate Error Workaround
If you encounter SSL errors when accessing VMware’s update servers, temporarily bypass certificate checks (for troubleshooting only):
On Linux:
wget --no-check-certificate https://[VMware-Update-URL]
On Windows (PowerShell):
[System.Net.ServicePointManager]::ServerCertificateValidationCallback = { $true }
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://[VMware-Update-URL]" -OutFile "vmware-update.exe"
3. Verify VMware Service Status
Ensure VMware services are running correctly:
Linux:
sudo systemctl status vmware
Windows:
Get-Service | Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "VMware" }
4. Alternative Virtualization Solutions
If VMware continues to fail, consider migrating to alternatives like:
– Proxmox VE (Download Here)
– VirtualBox (Download Here)
5. Clean Reinstall VMware Workstation
If updates persist in failing, perform a clean reinstall:
Linux:
sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation sudo rm -rf /etc/vmware /usr/lib/vmware
Windows:
- Uninstall via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Remove leftover files in
C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\.
What Undercode Say
The disruption in VMware’s update mechanism highlights the risks of relying on proprietary software with centralized update systems. IT administrators should always have fallback plans, including manual update procedures or migration paths to open-source alternatives like Proxmox or KVM.
For immediate fixes, bypassing certificate checks or manually downloading updates can serve as temporary solutions. However, long-term reliance on such workarounds is not recommended due to security risks.
Key Commands to Remember:
– `sudo systemctl restart vmware` (Linux)
– `sc queryex type= service state= all | find “VMware”` (Windows)
– `wget –no-check-certificate` (Linux bypass)
– `[System.Net.ServicePointManager]::ServerCertificateValidationCallback` (Windows bypass)
Expected Output:
A functional VMware Workstation installation with either manual updates applied or a transition to an alternative virtualization platform.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Bleepingcomputer Vmware – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
