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Install Centos 7 On VMware Workstation 12

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

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Mastering Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing CentOS 7 on VMware Workstation

Welcome back to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! We are diving into the powerful world of Linux today, specifically focusing on setting up a CentOS 7 server environment right on your desktop using the flexibility of VMware Workstation.

CentOS is an essential component for many IT professionals, offering a stable, enterprise-class platform built on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Whether you are setting up a testing server or just practicing your command line skills, installing it in a virtual machine (VM) is the perfect way to get started.

Let’s get your new CentOS 7 server downloaded, configured, and running!

Step 1: Downloading the CentOS 7 ISO

The first step in any OS installation is securing the required image file. This process is straightforward:

  1. Search for CentOS: Navigate directly to the official CentOS website (you can use Google or the direct link provided in the video description: https://www.centos.org/download/).
  2. Select the ISO: You need the full installation image. Click the DVD ISO option.
  3. Choose a Mirror: You will be presented with a list of mirrors (download servers). Select the link that is geographically nearest to you for the fastest download speed.
  4. Start the Download: The file is large and may take some time. Let it run in the background while we prepare our virtualization software.

(P.S. If you’re looking to jumpstart your Linux journey, don’t forget to grab our free Linux cheat sheet!)

Step 2: Creating the Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation

With the CentOS ISO downloaded, we can now create the virtual hardware platform for our operating system. We are using VMware Workstation (version 12 or newer is recommended).

  1. Start the New VM Wizard: In VMware Workstation, go to File and select New Virtual Machine.
  2. Choose Configuration: Select the Typical (recommended) configuration and click Next.
  3. Specify the ISO: Select the option to install the operating system later, or if you prefer the quicker route, browse and select the CentOS 7 ISO file you just downloaded. VMware should automatically detect the operating system type as CentOS. Click Next.
  4. Name Your Server: Give your new VM a descriptive name. For this tutorial, we will call it “my CentOS server.” Click Next.
  5. Set Disk Space: The default of 20 GB is usually sufficient for testing purposes. If you plan to use this server for production or storage-heavy tasks, you should increase this now. Ensure the setting is kept on Split virtual disk into multiple files, then click Next.

Before clicking ‘Finish,’ it’s always best practice to allocate resources to give your VM a little extra “oomph.”

  1. Click Customize Hardware.
  2. Adjust Memory: The default memory may be too restrictive. We recommend increasing the memory to 2 GB (2048 MB) if your host computer can spare it. This ensures a smoother installation and better performance, especially when using the graphical interface.
  3. Review Other Settings: You can leave the processor count, CD/DVD settings, and network settings at their defaults for this basic installation.
  4. Click Close, and then click Finish to finalize the VM creation.

Step 4: The Initial CentOS Installation Process

Now it’s time to power up the virtual machine and begin the installation sequence.

  1. Power On: Click the Power on this virtual machine button.
  2. Start Install: When the boot screen appears, use your arrow keys to select Install CentOS Linux 7 and press Enter.
    • (Pro Tip: If your cursor gets stuck inside the VM window, press Ctrl + Alt together to release it back to your host machine.)
  3. Language Selection: Select the language applicable to your area and click Continue.
  4. Configuration Summary: On the installation summary screen, check the following key settings:
    • Time & Date: Verify your correct region is selected (e.g., Europe/Dublin).
    • Keyboard: Ensure the layout is correct.
    • Installation Destination: Leave this as the default automatic partitioning on your 20 GB disk.
  5. Critical Step: Software Selection: This is where many users accidentally select the wrong option! By default, CentOS often chooses a Minimal Install, which gives you only a command line interface.
    • Click on Software Selection.
    • For an easy-to-use desktop environment, select Gnome Desktop. You can also choose additional add-ons here depending on your server needs (e.g., Web Server).
    • Click Done.
  6. Click Begin Installation.

Step 5: Configuring Users and Finishing the Setup

Once the installation begins, you will simultaneously be prompted to set up the administrative user accounts.

  1. Set Root Password: Click Root Password and set a strong password. This is the main administrator account, similar to the built-in Administrator in Windows.
    • Note: If you are only using this as a local test system, a weak password might be accepted, but never use a weak password on a live server.
  2. Create a User Account: Click User Creation. Fill in your full name, desired username (e.g., ‘darren’), and a password.
  3. Grant Admin Privileges: Be sure to check the box to Make this user administrator so you can run administrative commands (using sudo).
  4. Click Done for both password settings.

The installation will now proceed. This can take several minutes depending on your computer speed and the software packages you selected. Once complete, you will see a Reboot prompt. Click Reboot.

The Final Configuration

After the reboot, there is one last step before the desktop appears:

  1. Accept the License: On the first boot screen, click License Information.
  2. Read and check the box that says I accept the license agreement.
  3. Click Done, then click Finish Configuration.
  4. The machine will continue booting until it reaches the login screen.
  5. Log in using the user account and password you created in Step 5.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded, configured, and installed a fully functional CentOS 7 virtual machine running on VMware Workstation. You now have a stable, secure, and flexible environment to test out Linux commands, deploy applications, or simply explore the operating system!

Ready to start administering your new server? Give it a try!

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