DTT

How to Install CentOS 8 on VMWare Workstation

Published: December 1, 2025 (Updated: Dec 1, 2025)

Enjoying this content? Subscribe to the Channel!

Seamless Setup: Installing CentOS 8 on VMWare Workstation (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hi there, tech enthusiasts! This is Darren from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and we’re diving into one of the most fundamental skills for any developer or IT professional: setting up a stable Linux environment for testing, learning, or deployment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of installing CentOS 8 on VMWare Workstation. Whether you’re using an older version like VMWare 12 or the very latest iteration, the core setup procedure remains the same. Let’s get your new virtual machine up and running!

Step 1: Downloading the CentOS 8 ISO Image

Before we create our virtual machine (VM), we need the installation file. The CentOS 8 ISO file contains everything VMWare needs to build your system.

  1. Search and Navigate: Open your web browser and search for “CentOS 8.” Navigate to the official CentOS Project website.
  2. Initiate Download: Look for the Download link. You will typically want the x86_64 ISO.
  3. Select a Mirror: Click the download link and select a recommended local mirror.
  4. Choose the File: For this tutorial, we are looking for the larger installation file (the standard install ISO, typically around 700MB+ for the stripped-down version, but often much larger for the full image). Select the mirror link to begin your download.

Pro-Tip: The download size can vary depending on which specific ISO you choose. Be patient—this is the largest part of the process!

Step 2: Creating the Virtual Machine in VMWare

Once your CentOS 8 ISO is fully downloaded, we can jump into VMWare Workstation and start building the shell for our new Linux machine.

  1. Start the Wizard: In VMWare Workstation, click Create a New Virtual Machine.
  2. Choose Typical Setup: Select the Typical (recommended) installation type and click Next.
  3. Point to the ISO: In the next window, choose the option Installer disc image file (iso). Click Browse and navigate to your Downloads folder to select the CentOS 8 ISO file you just finished downloading.
  4. Define Guest OS: VMWare should automatically detect the OS, but if not, select Linux and choose CentOS 64-bit from the dropdown menu. Click Next.
  5. Name and Location: Give your VM a recognizable name (e.g., CentOS 8 Tutorial VM) and choose the location where you want the virtual machine files to be stored. Click Next.

Step 3: Configuring Essential VM Hardware

Next, we need to allocate disk space and customize the hardware resources to ensure CentOS 8 runs smoothly.

  1. Allocate Disk Space: When prompted for the maximum disk size, the default is often too small for serious work. We recommend bumping this up. For this tutorial, we will allocate 30 GB. You can choose more if you plan to store lots of files.
  2. Storage Type: Select Store virtual disk as a single file (unless you have a specific reason to split it). Click Next.
  3. Customize Hardware (Crucial Step): Before hitting Finish, click Customize Hardware. This is where we adjust RAM and CPU.
    • Memory (RAM): While VMWare defaults may suggest 1GB, we strongly recommend increasing this. Let’s set the memory to 2 GB (2048 MB) for a much smoother performance, especially when running a GUI.
    • Processors: Increase the number of processors to 2.
  4. Finalize Hardware: Ensure all other settings (like Network Adapter, which should be set to NAT by default) look correct. Click Close, then click Finish to create the VM shell.

Your new CentOS 8 machine should now appear in the VMWare library. Click Power on this virtual machine to start the installation!

Step 4: Running the CentOS 8 Installation Process

The VM will boot directly from the ISO image, bringing you into the installation wizard.

  1. Boot Options: When the boot screen appears, use your keyboard arrows to highlight Install CentOS Linux 8 and press Enter.
  2. Cursor Release Tip: If you lose your mouse cursor inside the VM window, remember to press Ctrl + Alt simultaneously to release it back to your host operating system.
  3. Select Language and Location: Choose your preferred language (e.g., English) and your location (e.g., English - Ireland). Click Continue.
  4. Installation Summary Configuration: The summary screen requires your input on several items:
    • Installation Destination: This is the most critical step. Click on the grayed-out disk icon, select the virtual disk you created (the 30 GB one), and ensure Automatic partitioning is selected (this is easiest for a VM). Click Done.
    • Software Selection: Click on the Software Selection option. For most users, we recommend selecting Server with GUI. This gives you a graphical interface, making it much easier to navigate and learn the system. Click Done.
    • Root Password: Set a secure root password. Warning: If this is a production system, use a strong password. For a test VM, a weaker one is acceptable, but VMWare will require you to double-click Done if the password is weak.
  5. Begin Installation: Once the summary screen shows no warnings or errors, click Begin Installation.

The system will now copy files and install the necessary software packages. This process can take a little while, so feel free to grab a coffee!

Step 5: Final Post-Installation Configuration

When the installation is complete, VMWare will prompt you to reboot the system.

  1. Reboot: Click the Reboot button. The VM will restart and load CentOS 8 for the first time.
  2. Initial Setup Screen: Once the system boots, you will be met with the initial setup screens.
    • License Acceptance: Click License Information. Click the box to accept the license agreement, and click Done.
    • User Creation: You can create a user now or later, but for simplicity, let’s create one now.
  3. Finish Configuration: Click Finish Configuration.
  4. Welcome Screen: The GNOME welcome wizard will appear. Click Next through the prompts (Location Services, Online Accounts).
  5. Create User: Enter your full name and the desired username (e.g., Darren Grant). Click Next.
  6. User Password: Set a password for your new standard user account. Click Next.
  7. Start Using CentOS: Click Start Using CentOS Linux.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured CentOS 8 on your VMWare Workstation. You should now be greeted by the smooth, stable Linux desktop environment.

Ready to Dive into Linux?

Setting up a virtual machine is the perfect way to explore a new operating system without risking your primary computer setup. Now that you have CentOS 8 installed, the possibilities are endless! You can start learning shell commands, setting up web servers, or just playing around with a robust, community-driven OS.

Was this tutorial helpful? If you successfully got CentOS 8 running on VMWare, please give this post a like and share it with fellow tech enthusiasts. Don’t forget to subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear and accessible technology guides! If you have any questions or run into any hiccups, drop a comment below—I’m always happy to help!

Happy virtualizing!