Create a Shortcut for the Guest OS (VMware)

Creating a shortcut for the Guest OS in VMware can help you quickly access your virtual machine without going through the hassle of launching VMware Workstation every time. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a shortcut for the Guest OS in VMware Workstation.

Step 1: Locate the Virtual Machine

Before creating a shortcut, you need to locate the virtual machine (Guest OS) that you want to create a shortcut for. Open VMware Workstation and navigate to the library tab on the left-hand side. Here, you will find a list of all your virtual machines.

Step 2: Copy the Virtual Machine Path

Right-click on the virtual machine you want to create a shortcut for and select "Open VM Directory". This will open the folder containing all the files related to the virtual machine.

Next, locate the .vmx file, which is the configuration file for the virtual machine. Right-click on the .vmx file and select "Copy".

Step 3: Create a Shortcut

Now, we need to create a shortcut using the copied .vmx file. Right-click on your desktop or any other location where you want to create the shortcut, and select "New" followed by "Shortcut".

In the "Create Shortcut" window, paste the path of the .vmx file that you copied in the previous step. Click "Next" to proceed.

Give a name to the shortcut. This can be the name of your virtual machine or any other name you prefer. Click "Finish" to create the shortcut.

Step 4: Customize the Shortcut Icon (Optional)

If you want to customize the shortcut icon, you can do so by right-clicking on the shortcut and selecting "Properties". In the "Properties" window, click on the "Change Icon" button.

Choose an icon from the available options or click "Browse" to select an icon from your computer. Once you have selected the desired icon, click "OK" to apply the changes.

Step 5: Access the Virtual Machine

Now, whenever you want to access your virtual machine, simply double-click on the shortcut you created. This will launch VMware Workstation and directly open the Guest OS without the need to navigate through the library.

Conclusion

Creating a shortcut for the Guest OS in VMware can save you time and effort by providing quick access to your virtual machine. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can easily create a shortcut and customize it to your preference.