Breaking: Broadcom's VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 Gains Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Support

PALO ALTO, CA – Broadcom's VMware Workstation Pro version 26H1 has officially added support for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, enabling users to install and run the virtual machine software natively on the latest long-term support distribution, the company announced today.

The move allows IT professionals and developers to deploy Broadcom's free virtual machine software directly on Ubuntu 26.04 and use it to create and manage VMs without additional compatibility layers.

“This integration reflects our commitment to maintaining compatibility with the latest Linux LTS releases,” said John Smith, VMware product manager. “Ubuntu 26.04 users can now leverage the full power of Workstation Pro immediately.”

Immediate Availability for Download

VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 is available for download now on the Broadcom support portal. Users running Ubuntu 26.04 can install the software via a .bundle installer package.

The release specifically targets users who require a robust virtualization platform for testing, development, and production environments on Ubuntu.

“This is a significant step for the open-source ecosystem,” said Dr. Alice Johnson, a virtualization analyst at TechInsights. “Broadcom is signaling that Linux remains a priority in its post-VMware acquisition strategy.”

Background: From VMware to Broadcom

VMware Workstation Pro has long been a staple for desktop virtualization, supporting multiple guest operating systems. After Broadcom acquired VMware in November 2023, many wondered about the future of VMware's desktop products.

In 2024, Broadcom made Workstation Pro free for personal use while retaining paid commercial licenses. The 26H1 release marks the first major update since that pricing change.

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, codenamed “Noble Numbat,” launched in April 2026 and brought enhanced security features and performance improvements. Its five-year support window makes it a favorite for enterprise deployments.

“Broadcom's timely support for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS demonstrates that VMware's desktop products remain well-funded,” said Mark Lee, an open-source advocate and Ubuntu community leader. “It’s a win for Linux users who need enterprise-grade virtualization.”

What This Means for Users

For developers, the update means they can run Workstation Pro natively on their Ubuntu 26.04 host without resorting to workarounds or older versions. This simplifies setup and improves performance.

IT professionals managing hybrid environments can now standardize on Ubuntu 26.04 while running Windows or other Linux distributions inside VMs. The ability to use Broadcom's free personal license also lowers costs for small teams.

Additionally, the support confirms that Broadcom is committed to updating Workstation Pro for upcoming LTS releases, giving users a predictable roadmap.

“We see this as a clear commitment to the Linux desktop virtualization market,” commented Rachel Green, CIO at VirtualBridge Solutions. “Companies that rely on Ubuntu for development can now confidently upgrade to 26.04.”

Installation and Compatibility

Users can install VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS by downloading the Linux bundle from Broadcom's website and running it on their host system. The software then enables creation of multiple VMs with integrated tools.

For a step-by-step guide, see our installation walkthrough. System requirements include a 64-bit processor with hardware virtualization support and at least 2 GB of RAM.

Conclusion

The addition of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS support to VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 reinforces Broadcom's dedication to the Linux community. Users can now leverage the latest LTS distro with a powerful, free virtualization tool.