To access shared folders in VMware Workstation, you need to enable the feature in the virtual machine settings and then locate the shared folder inside the guest operating system, this lets you transfer files between your host computer and the VM without network drives or USB sticks. Before anything else, make sure VMware Tools is installed and running in the guest OS, because without it, shared folders simply won't work.
How to access shared folders in VMware Workstation: Enable and configure a shared folder
Start by powering off or suspending the virtual machine if it's running, then right-click the VM in the library and choose "Settings..." (or go to "VM" > "Settings" from the menu bar). In the Virtual Machine Settings window, click the "Options" tab, then select "Shared Folders" from the left-hand pane.
- Choose "Always enabled" if you want the folder to remain accessible every time you power on the VM, this is the recommended option for persistent access. Alternatively, pick "Enabled until next power off or suspend" for a temporary share that only lasts for the current session.
- Click the "Add..." button to launch the Add Shared Folder Wizard.
- Browse to the folder on your host machine that you want to share and select it.
- Give the share a name, this is how it will appear inside the guest operating system.
- Finish the wizard and click "OK" to save the settings.
Once the share is configured, you can use it for everyday file exchange. For example, if you need to move a large installer or a project folder between systems, the shared folder acts as a two-way bridge. This setup also pairs well with other VMware features: you can use a VHD in VMware Workstation to mount a virtual hard disk alongside the shared folder, or connect multiple VMs and the host for more complex workflows.
Step 2: Access the shared folder in your virtual machine
Power on the virtual machine and log in to the guest operating system. Open the file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Files on Linux, or Finder on macOS). Double-click the specific folder name you set earlier to open it and start copying files in either direction.
If you prefer a more direct route, you can also type the UNC path \\vmware-host\Shared Folders\<share-name> into the file manager's address bar, replacing <share-name> with the name you assigned. This works even if the share doesn't appear automatically under Network. Once inside, treat it like any local folder, drag, drop, copy, or edit files freely. For quick transfers, you might also want to drag and drop files from Windows to a VM, but the shared folder method is more reliable for large batches or frequent access.
Important security note
Enabling shared folders exposes host files to programs running inside the virtual machine. If the guest OS is untrusted, or if you install software from questionable sources inside the VM, that software could read, modify, or delete files in the shared folder. Keep the share limited to a dedicated directory, never share your entire C: drive or home folder, and disable the feature when you don't need it. The same caution applies when you install an operating system on a VMware virtual machine: treat the guest as a separate environment, and only share what's necessary for your task.
Troubleshooting: Shared folder not appearing
If the shared folder doesn't show up in the guest OS, work through these two fixes in order. First, verify that VMware Tools is installed, up to date, and its service is running. Open the VMware Tools icon in the system tray (Windows) or check the process list (Linux), and confirm the service is active. If it's missing or outdated, reinstall it from the VM menu: go to "VM" > "Install VMware Tools", then follow the installer inside the guest and reboot. Second, confirm shared folders are enabled in the VM settings and that the specific share is listed and turned on. Reopen Virtual Machine Settings > Options > Shared Folders, ensure "Always enabled" is selected, and check that your share appears in the list with the checkbox ticked. If it's grayed out or missing, remove it and add it again using the wizard. After making changes, restart the guest OS or at least log out and back in to refresh the file manager view.
