how to install open vm tools ubuntu

 

sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop

To install Open VM Tools on Ubuntu 22.04, you can use the apt package manager, which is the standard way to install software on Ubuntu. 

Here's how you can do it:

1. Open a terminal:

• You can open a terminal by searching for "Terminal" in the application launcher or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T. 

2. Update the package list:

• It's always a good practice to update the package list before installing new software. This ensures you're getting the latest versions and dependencies.
• Run the following command:
  bash

  sudo apt update
  

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This will update the list of available packages. 

3. Install Open VM Tools:

• For Ubuntu Desktop: If you're using a graphical desktop environment, install the open-vm-tools-desktop package, which includes features like improved graphics, mouse performance, clipboard sharing, and automatic screen resizing.
  bash

  sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop
  

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For Ubuntu Server: If you're using a server version without a GUI, you can install the minimal open-vm-tools package.

bash

sudo apt install open-vm-tools

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For both Desktop and Server: You can also install both open-vm-tools and open-vm-tools-desktop packages.

bash

sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop

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4. Reboot your system:

• After the installation is complete, it's recommended to reboot your virtual machine for the changes to take effect.
  bash

  sudo reboot
  

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Verification (optional):

• You can verify the installation by checking if the vmwgfx kernel module is loaded.
  bash

  lsmod | grep vmwgfx
  

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If the module is loaded, it means Open VM Tools is likely working correctly. 

Important Considerations:

• Internet Access: You need internet access for apt to download and install the packages. If you don't have internet access, you might need to explore alternative methods like using an ISO image with the necessary packages, as suggested by Dean Thayer on Ask Ubuntu.
• Official Repositories: It's best to install Open VM Tools from the official Ubuntu repositories for better compatibility and security, according to LinuxCapable. 

By following these steps, you can successfully install Open VM Tools on your Ubuntu 22.04 virtual machine, enhancing its performance and integration with your VMware environment.