To setup a network in VMware Workstation, you configure one of the default network types, NAT, Bridged, or Host-Only, using the Virtual Network Editor and then assign that network to your virtual machine. The right choice depends on whether you need internet access through your host or want the VM to appear as a separate device on your local network.
Understanding VMware Workstation network types
VMware Workstation Pro offers several ways to configure virtual machine networking: Bridged, Network Address Translation (NAT), Host-Only, and Custom networking. Each type is automatically set up with a default virtual network adapter (VMnet) and a virtual DHCP server, so you can get started immediately without manual configuration. The key is matching the network type to your goal.
NAT (VMnet8): NAT networking allows a virtual machine to access external networks, like the internet, by sharing the host's IP and MAC addresses. With NAT, a virtual machine does not have its own IP address on the external network; instead, a private network is set up on the host system. In the default NAT configuration, a virtual machine obtains an IP address on this private network from the virtual DHCP server. When Workstation Pro is installed on a Windows or Linux host, a NAT network (VMnet8) is automatically set up. If you select the "Typical setup" path in the New Virtual Machine Wizard, the wizard configures the virtual machine to use the default NAT network. You can only have one NAT network.
Bridged (VMnet0): Bridged networking connects a virtual machine directly to the host computer's physical network adapter, making the VM appear as a separate device on the same network. When Workstation Pro is installed on a Windows or Linux host, a bridged network (VMnet0) is automatically set up. Bridged networking is often the easiest way to give a virtual machine access to the network if the host computer is already on an Ethernet network.
Host-Only (VMnet1): Host-only networking creates a network that is entirely contained within the host computer, providing a connection between the virtual machine and the host, but isolating the VM from external networks. A host-only network (VMnet1) is set up automatically when Workstation Pro is installed on a Windows or Linux host. In a host-only network, the virtual machine and the host virtual network adapter are connected to a private Ethernet network. The virtual DHCP server provides IP addresses on the host-only network. By default, a virtual machine in a host-only network cannot connect to the Internet.
Custom networking allows for manual configuration of a virtual machine's network connection, enabling more specialized setups.
On Linux hosts, bridged and host-only networking options must be enabled during Workstation installation to be available for virtual machines.
Accessing the Virtual Network Editor
To adjust virtual network settings, you use the Virtual Network Editor. Open VMware Workstation Pro, navigate to "Edit" and select "Virtual Network Editor...". If prompted, authenticate as an administrator to make changes. You can configure IP addressing settings in the Virtual Network Editor, and you can configure Workstation to assign virtual network adapters with a Media Access Control (MAC) address.
Configuring a NAT network for internet access
If you want to give your virtual machines internet access through the host's connection while keeping them on a private network, configure the default NAT network (VMnet8).
- In the Virtual Network Editor, select VMnet8 (or your chosen NAT network).
- Click "Change Settings" (if needed), then click "NAT Settings" to configure the Gateway IP.
- To define the IP range for VMs, click "DHCP Settings..." to define the starting and ending IP addresses. You can disable DHCP on a virtual network adapter in the Virtual Network Editor if you prefer assigning static IP addresses.
- Click "Apply" and "OK" to save.
Your VMs will now obtain private IP addresses from the virtual DHCP server and access the internet through the host's IP address.
Configuring a bridged network for direct physical network access
To make your virtual machine appear as a separate device on your local physical network, with its own IP address from your router, configure the bridged network.
- In the Virtual Network Editor, select VMnet0.
- Ensure "Bridged" is selected, then choose the specific physical host adapter you want to bridge to (e.g., your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter).
- Click "Apply" and "OK" to save.
Your VM will now connect directly to the same network as your host, allowing it to communicate with other physical devices on that network.
Configuring a host-only network for isolated communication
When you need a private network where VMs can only communicate with each other and the host, with no internet access, use the host-only network.
- In the Virtual Network Editor, select VMnet1.
- Click "DHCP Settings..." to define the starting and ending IP addresses for the private subnet. You can disable DHCP if you plan to assign static IPs.
- Click "Apply" and "OK" to save.
VMs connected to this network will be completely isolated from external networks, ideal for testing internal services or security scenarios. You can also configure routing between two host-only networks for more advanced topologies.
Assigning a network adapter to a virtual machine
After configuring the virtual network, the final step is to attach your VM to it. Go to the VM's settings (VM > Settings) and select "Network Adapter". Choose the configured network type (NAT, Bridged, or Host-Only) from the list. Ensure 'Connect at power on' is checked so the network adapter is active when the VM starts.
Once assigned, you can power on the VM. If you need to install an operating system on a VMware virtual machine, the network configuration you just set up will be ready for internet access or local connectivity as soon as the OS boots. For scenarios where you need to use vhd in vmware workstation, ensure the VHD file is attached to the VM's storage controller before powering on, then configure the network adapter as described above.
