How To Remove Vmware Workstation From Ubuntu

Removing VMware Workstation from Ubuntu can be a straightforward process, allowing you to free up system resources and optimize your workspace. Did you know that uninstalling VMware Workstation can enhance the performance of your Ubuntu system? Whether you no longer need virtualization capabilities or you prefer an alternative solution, removing VMware Workstation can help streamline your computing experience.

To remove VMware Workstation from Ubuntu, you can utilize the package manager, apt, which simplifies the removal process. By using the command line, you can easily uninstall VMware Workstation and its associated packages. This not only eliminates the software but also clears any residual files or configurations that may remain on your system. With apt, you have the ability to remove VMware Workstation swiftly and efficiently, ensuring a clean uninstallation process for your Ubuntu environment.

Uninstalling VMware Workstation from Ubuntu

If you no longer need VMware Workstation on your Ubuntu system and want to uninstall it, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. VMware Workstation is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. However, if you have decided to remove it from your Ubuntu system, there are a few methods you can use. In this article, we will explore different ways to uninstall VMware Workstation from Ubuntu and ensure a clean removal.

Method 1: Uninstall Using Terminal Commands

The first method to uninstall VMware Workstation from Ubuntu is by using terminal commands. This method is suitable for users who are comfortable using the command line and prefer a quick way to remove the software.

To uninstall VMware Workstation using terminal commands, follow the steps below:

• Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard.
• Type the following command and press Enter to list all installed VMware packages:

dpkg --list | grep -i vmware

After running this command, you will see a list of all VMware packages installed on your system. Make a note of the package names as you will need them in the next step.

• Type the following command and press Enter to remove the VMware Workstation package:

sudo apt-get purge <package-name>

Replace <package-name> with the name of the VMware package you want to uninstall. Repeat this command for each VMware package you want to remove.

• Once the uninstallation process is complete, you can remove any remaining configuration files by running the following command:

sudo apt-get autoremove

Method 1: Uninstall Using Terminal Commands - Advantages

Uninstalling VMware Workstation using terminal commands offers several advantages:

• Quick and efficient removal process.
• Allows for easy customization and selection of packages to remove.
• Gives users with command line experience greater control and flexibility.
• Ensures a clean uninstallation by removing all related files and configurations.

Method 1: Uninstall Using Terminal Commands - Disadvantages

However, there are a few disadvantages to consider when uninstalling VMware Workstation using terminal commands:

• Requires familiarity with the command line interface.
• Commands must be executed correctly to avoid any unintended consequences.
• May not be suitable for users who prefer a graphical user interface for uninstallation.

Method 2: Uninstall Using Software Center

If you prefer a graphical user interface for uninstalling software, you can use the Software Center to remove VMware Workstation from your Ubuntu system.

Follow the steps below to uninstall VMware Workstation using the Software Center:

• Open the Software Center from the system menu or Dash.
• In the search bar, type "VMware Workstation" and press Enter.
• Locate VMware Workstation in the search results and click on it.
• Click the "Remove" or "Uninstall" button to initiate the uninstallation process.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Method 2: Uninstall Using Software Center - Advantages

Uninstalling VMware Workstation using the Software Center has the following advantages:

• Provides a user-friendly graphical interface for uninstallation.
• Does not require knowledge of terminal commands.
• Offers a straightforward and intuitive process.
• Automatically removes associated files and configurations.

Method 2: Uninstall Using Software Center - Disadvantages

However, there are a few disadvantages to consider when uninstalling VMware Workstation using the Software Center:

• May not provide granular control over the uninstallation process.
• Relies on the availability and functionality of the Software Center.
• May require additional steps to remove leftover files or configurations.

Method 3: Manual Uninstallation

If the methods mentioned above do not work for some reason, you can resort to manual uninstallation. This method involves manually removing all VMware Workstation-related files and configurations from your Ubuntu system.

Before proceeding with manual uninstallation, make sure to back up any important data and create a system restore point to avoid any potential issues.

Follow the steps below for manual uninstallation of VMware Workstation:

• Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard.
• Type the following command and press Enter to navigate to the "/usr/lib/vmware" directory:

cd /usr/lib/vmware

• Delete the "vmware" directory and its contents by running the following command:

sudo rm -rf vmware

After executing this command, the "vmware" directory and all its files will be permanently deleted.

• Next, navigate to the "/etc/vmware" directory using the following command:

cd /etc/vmware

• Delete all files and directories related to VMware Workstation:

sudo rm -rf *

Caution: Use this command with caution as it permanently deletes all files and directories in the current directory.

• If you have any virtual machines (VMs) created using VMware Workstation, make sure to back them up before proceeding as the manual uninstallation process may remove them.
• Finally, restart your Ubuntu system for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Manual Uninstallation - Advantages

Manual uninstallation of VMware Workstation offers the following advantages:

• Allows for a complete and thorough removal of all VMware Workstation files and configurations.
• Does not rely on specific commands or software.
• Provides greater control over the uninstallation process.

Method 3: Manual Uninstallation - Disadvantages

However, there are a few disadvantages to consider when opting for manual uninstallation:

• Requires advanced knowledge of the file system and Ubuntu system structure.
• May result in unintended deletion of important files if not done carefully.
• Can be time-consuming, especially if there are multiple VMware Workstation installations or configurations.

Conclusion

Uninstalling VMware Workstation from Ubuntu can be done through various methods, each catering to different user preferences and levels of technical expertise. The three methods discussed in this guide - uninstalling using terminal commands, using the Software Center, and manual uninstallation - offer different levels of control and ease of use.

If you prefer a quick and efficient removal process, using terminal commands is the best option. On the other hand, if you prefer a user-friendly graphical interface, the Software Center provides a straightforward way to uninstall VMware Workstation. For users who want complete control and are comfortable navigating the file system, manual uninstallation offers a thorough removal.

Choose the method that suits your preferences and needs the best, and ensure a clean removal of VMware Workstation from your Ubuntu system.

Removing Vmware Workstation From Ubuntu

If you are looking to remove Vmware Workstation from your Ubuntu system, follow the steps below:

1. Open the terminal and run the following command to stop the Vmware service:

sudo systemctl stop vmware

2. Uninstall the Vmware Workstation using the apt package manager:

sudo apt-get remove vmware-workstation

3. Remove any remaining dependencies, if prompted:

sudo apt-get autoremove

4. Delete the Vmware Workstation configuration files:

sudo rm -rf ~/.vmware

5. Finally, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

Following these steps will remove Vmware Workstation from your Ubuntu system and ensure a clean uninstallation. Make sure to back up any important virtual machines before proceeding with the uninstallation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about removing VMware Workstation from Ubuntu:

1. How can I remove VMware Workstation from Ubuntu?

To remove VMware Workstation from Ubuntu, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Run the command "sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation".

Step 3: Enter your system password when prompted.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 5: Once the uninstallation is complete, you can remove any remaining files and directories associated with VMware Workstation.

Note: The above steps assume that you installed VMware Workstation using the default installer. If you used a different method, the uninstallation process may vary.

2. Will removing VMware Workstation affect my other applications on Ubuntu?

No, removing VMware Workstation will not affect other applications on your Ubuntu system. The uninstallation process only removes the VMware Workstation software and does not interfere with any other installed applications.

3. Can I reinstall VMware Workstation after I have removed it?

Yes, you can reinstall VMware Workstation after removing it from Ubuntu. Simply follow the installation instructions provided by VMware and install the software again.

However, it is recommended to restart your system after the uninstallation process to ensure that any remaining files or configurations are cleared before reinstalling.

4. How do I check if VMware Workstation is completely removed from my Ubuntu system?

To check if VMware Workstation is completely removed from your Ubuntu system, you can perform the following steps:

Step 1: Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Run the command "which vmware". If there is no output, it means that VMware Workstation is no longer installed on your system.

You can also check for any remaining VMware files and directories by browsing through your file system manually. If you find any, you can remove them manually or using appropriate commands.

5. Are there any alternative virtualization software options for Ubuntu?

Yes, there are alternative virtualization software options available for Ubuntu. Some popular options include:

- VirtualBox: A free and open-source virtualization software.

- QEMU: A fast and versatile virtualization software.

- KVM: A powerful virtualization solution for Linux.

- Xen: An open-source hypervisor for virtualization.

These software options provide similar functionalities to VMware Workstation and can be used on Ubuntu systems for virtualization purposes.

In summary, removing VMware Workstation from Ubuntu is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely uninstall the software and free up disk space on your system.

Remember to back up any important files or virtual machines before uninstalling VMware Workstation. Once you have completed the uninstallation process, you can also remove any leftover files and directories to ensure a clean removal.