VMware Releases Workstation & Fusion 25H2 With Enhanced Features and OS Support
VMware has announced the release of its latest desktop hypervisors, Workstation 25H2 and Fusion 25H2, which include notable advancements in virtualization technology.
VMware has announced the release of its latest desktop hypervisors, Workstation 25H2 and Fusion 25H2, which include notable advancements in virtualization technology.
The updates feature a new versioning system, enhanced functionalities, and increased compatibility with modern operating systems and hardware.
VMware has shifted from traditional version numbering to calendar versioning. The new format, 25H2, represents the release year (2025) and the half-year period (H2), simplifying the tracking of software releases and upgrade planning.
Feature Availability Description
dictTool Workstation & Fusion Command-line utility to inspect and edit VMware configuration files (.vmx, preferences) for advanced automation
USB 3.2 Support Workstation & Fusion Faster data transfers and improved compatibility with modern USB devices
Hardware Version 22 Workstation & Fusion Enables VMs to leverage latest hardware capabilities for improved performance and compatibility
Hyper-V/WHP Detection Workstation only Clearly shows Hyper-V/WHP status to identify VM's running mode
Calendar Versioning (25H2) Workstation & Fusion New naming format reflecting year (2025) and half-year period (H2) for easier release tracking
The updates feature a new versioning system, enhanced functionalities, and increased compatibility with modern operating systems and hardware.
Intel Lunar Lake Support Workstation only Compatibility with Intel's latest Lunar Lake processors
Intel Arrow Lake Support Workstation only Support for Intel Arrow Lake CPU architecture
Intel Meteor Lake Support Workstation only Compatibility with Intel Meteor Lake processors
Multi-language Support Workstation & Fusion Available in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish
The release offers advanced users enhanced flexibility and automation capabilities. Hardware improvements include USB 3.2 support and Hardware Version 22, enabling virtual machines to utilize the latest hardware capabilities.
Workstation users also gain the benefit of Hyper-V/WHP detection for clear identification of the virtual machine's running mode.
The release enhances CPU support, making Workstation compatible with Intel's latest processors, including Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake, and Meteor Lake.
Both platforms now support a range of new guest operating systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Fedora Linux 42, Debian 13, Oracle Linux 10, and openSUSE Leap 16.0.
Host operating system support has been expanded, with Workstation supporting RHEL 10, Fedora 42, and Debian 13, while Fusion now supports macOS Tahoe on both Intel and Apple Silicon systems.
VMware ESX 9.0 can run as a guest OS on Workstation, with limited support on Fusion for Intel systems.
The 25H2 release addresses critical security and accessibility issues. Workstation users will find resolved UI problems on Windows, optimized Linux support bundles, and fixes for full-screen crashes.
The excessive logging issue with VMware Authorization Service in Windows Event Viewer has been corrected, and users can now discard VM suspend states.
Fusion improvements include fixes for dead key input issues and persistent USB "Plug in Action" settings. Both platforms have enhanced stability and user-friendliness.
VMware Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro 25H2 are now available in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish, ensuring global accessibility.
Based on reporting by GBHackers.