How to Create a New Virtual Machine with VMware’s Fusion?

• Mar 30, 2020
• By Kyle Nichols

VMware’s Fusion allows users to run operating systems concurrently with OS X. Before instlaling and running a non-native OS, you need to first create a virtual machine that holds the non-native OS and allows it to work.

Things You Need to Create a Virtual Machine with Fusion

• VMware’s Fusion version 1.1 or later.
• Available hard disk space (For example, about 8 GB for some Linux installations, and 20 GB for Windows Vista).
• An Intel-based Mac.
• About one hour of free time.

Part 1: Create a Virtual Machine with VMware’s Fusion

1. Launch VMware’s Fusion.

2. In the Virtual Machine Library window, click the New button.

3. Now you should see the Virtual Machine Assistant with a brief introduction to create a virtual machine.

4. In the Virtual Machine Assistant window, click the Continue button.

Part 2: Select an OS for Your Virtual Machine

1. Use the drop-down menu to select an operating system (Microsoft Windows, Linux, Novell NetWare, Sun Solaris, etc.). We take Microsoft Windows as an example here.

2. Click the Continue button.

Part 3: Select a Name and Location for the Virtual Machine

1. Enter a name for the virtual machine in the Save as field.

2. Select a location through the drop-down menu: The current default location or Other.

3. Click the Continue button.

Part 4: Select Virtual Hard Drive Options

1. Specify the disk size.

2. Click the Advanced Disk Options disclosure triangle.

3. Place a checkmark next to any of the advanced disk options you want to use.

4. Click the Continue button.

Part 5: Use the Easy Install Option

1. Place a checkmark next to the Use Easy Install option.

2. Enter a username.

3. Enter a password (Optional but highly recommended)

4. Confirm the password by entering it again.

5. Enter your Windows product key.

6. Put a checkmark next to the “Your Mac Home directory can be accessible within Windows XP or Vista” option if you want to be able to access your Home directory from within Windows.

7. Choose the access rights that you want the system to have for your Home directory.

8. Click the Continue button.

Part 6: Save the Virtual Machine and Install Windows Vista

1. Place a checkmark next to the “Start virtual machine and install operating system now” option.

2. Select the “Use operating system installation disk” option.

3. Insert your Vista install CD into your Mac’s optical drive.

4. Wait for the CD to be mounted.

5. Click the Finish button.