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[work] Download Vmware Workstation 1557 Verified Guide

To download a verified version of VMware Workstation Pro 15.5.7, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, as Broadcom has acquired VMware and migrated all official software downloads to their own infrastructure. Official Verified Download Method

The most reliable way to obtain the specific 15.5.7 build is through the Broadcom Support Portal.

Create a Broadcom Account: You must register for a free account. This requires email verification and providing basic contact details.

Navigate to Downloads: Once logged in, select VMware Cloud Foundation from the software menu, then click My Downloads. Search for Workstation: Look for VMware Workstation Pro.

Select Version 15.5.7: Expand the VMware Workstation Pro section. Under the "Release" column, you can select specific older versions like 15.5.7.

Verification: You may need to complete an additional "Trade Compliance" verification (confirming your address) before the final download link becomes active. Why 15.5.7 specifically?

Version 15.5.7 (Build 17171714) was a critical final update for the 15.x branch, notable for:

Security Patches: It addressed several high-severity security vulnerabilities.

Legacy OS Support: It is often sought for older hardware or guest operating systems that may have compatibility issues with newer 17.x versions.

Windows 11 Warning: Note that version 15.5.7 is not officially supported on Windows 11 hosts; users on Windows 11 frequently report "Failed to install hcmon driver" errors and are advised to use version 16.2 or 17.x instead. Current Licensing Status download vmware workstation 1557 verified

—the final stable release of the version 15 series—it is still available for legacy systems. This version is particularly useful for users on Windows 7 hosts

, as it was the last major version to officially support that OS. ✅ Official Download Sources

To ensure your download is "verified" and safe, you should only use official channels now managed by Broadcom: Broadcom Support Portal:

Following the acquisition of VMware, all official downloads have migrated to the Broadcom Support Portal Direct Version Selection:

You can find version 15.5.7 by navigating to "My Downloads" -> "VMware Workstation Pro" and expanding the version list. 💡 Important Updates You Should Know Free for Everyone:

As of late 2024, VMware Workstation Pro no longer requires a paid subscription or a license key for any user. End of Life: Version 15.5.7 reached its official End of Service on December 19, 2020

. It does not receive security patches or official support for modern guest OSs like Windows 11. Discontinued Player:

The standalone "Workstation Player" has been discontinued because the full "Workstation Pro" is now free for everyone.

Download VMware Workstation 15.5.7 Verified: A Comprehensive Guide To download a verified version of VMware Workstation Pro 15

VMware Workstation 15.5.7 remains a vital tool for users who need a stable, Type 2 hypervisor for legacy systems or specific virtual environments. This version is particularly notable for its enhanced security patches and its historical significance in supporting Windows 10 versions such as 1903 and 1909. Key Features of VMware Workstation 15.5.7

Released as a maintenance update, version 15.5.7 focused heavily on resolving critical security vulnerabilities and improving hardware interaction:

Security Patches: Addresses multiple high-profile vulnerabilities, including those affecting the XHCI USB controller (CVE-2020-4004) and Cortado ThinPrint components.

Legacy Support: Optimized for Windows 7 and Windows 10 (versions 1803 through 1909) as host operating systems.

Enhanced Connectivity: Includes support for Jumbo Frames (MTU up to 9000 bytes) and preserves network configurations during upgrades.

Hardware Virtualization: Supports virtual hardware version 16, which introduced features like Virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) and UEFI Secure Boot. How to Download VMware Workstation 15.5.7 Verified

Since Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the download process has moved to the Broadcom Support Portal. To ensure you are getting a verified, safe installer, follow these steps:

To download the verified version of VMware Workstation 15.5.7, you must use the official Broadcom Support portal, as Broadcom acquired VMware and now manages all downloads. Note that since late 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is free for all users (personal and commercial). Official Download Instructions

What if you need a license? (Fusion vs. Workstation)

As of late 2024, Broadcom (which acquired VMware) announced that VMware Workstation Pro is free for personal use. You no longer need a license key for non-commercial use. However, for version 1557 (released before this change), you may still need a key during install. You can use a free personal use key from VMware’s official FAQ page. Final Verdict: Should You Download 15

Final Verdict: Should You Download 15.5.7?

| Scenario | Recommendation | |----------|----------------| | Running Windows 7/Server 2012 R2 as host | ✅ Yes – last compatible version | | Host is Windows 10/11 or modern Linux | ❌ No – use Workstation 17 Pro | | Need to open ancient VMs (2009–2015) | ✅ Yes, then convert once | | Production environment requiring updates | ❌ No – unacceptable risk | | Learning VMware CLI/internal APIs | ✅ Yes (non-networked lab only) |

2. The Official Source (Broadcom)

VMware was acquired by Broadcom. The download portal has moved from my.vmware.com to the Broadcom Support Portal.

Steps to find the verified download:

  1. Go to the Broadcom Support Portal (support.broadcom.com).
  2. You will likely need to create a free account if you do not already have one linked to your old VMware account.
  3. Once logged in, navigate to Downloads.
  4. Search for "VMware Workstation Pro".
  5. Look for the version dropdown or filter. Select 15.5.7.
    • Note: Broadcom has recently made VMware Workstation Pro 17 free for personal use. If you do not have a specific need for version 15 (such as compatibility with an old OS or existing legacy infrastructure), it is highly recommended to download the latest version (17.x) instead.

Why “Verified” Matters

The term “verified” is not an official VMware label. In search results, it usually means:

  • The file’s checksum (SHA256/MD5) matches VMware’s original signature.
  • The download comes from a trusted source (official site or authorized mirror).
  • The file has been scanned for malware by a third party.

Warning: Many third-party sites offer “VMware Workstation 15.5.7 cracked” or “pre-verified” downloads. These often contain keyloggers, miners, or ransomware. VMware does not sell or distribute “cracked” versions.

4. Why specifically 15.5.7?

If you are hunting for this specific version, you likely fall into one of these categories:

  • Legacy OS Support: You are running Windows 7 or an older Linux distro that is no longer supported in newer versions.
  • Windows 10 2004+ Issues: VMware Workstation 15.5.x was a critical update that fixed compatibility issues with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004).
  • License Ownership: You have a valid key for version 15 but do not want to pay for the upgrade to version 16 or 17.

Q2: Can I run VMware 1557 on Windows 11?

A: Yes, with conditions. You need to disable Windows Hyper-V and Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) in Windows Security, as these conflict with VMware’s virtualization engine.

How to download VMware Workstation 15.5.7 (verified) — step-by-step guide

Important: VMware Workstation 15.5.7 is an older release. Use older installers only if you need compatibility with legacy guests or licenses. Prefer the latest supported version for security and compatibility.