Start Local VMware Machine Without Bringing VMware Workstation Window Foreground

Abstract: Learn how to start a local VMware machine using the vmrun.exe command without bringing the VMware Workstation window to the foreground. This tutorial covers using the 'nogui' option to start a VMware machine in the background.

Created: 2024-12-08 by UserComp.com Editors

Starting VMware Machines Without Bringing VMware Workstation Window Foreground

Do you frequently use the vmrun.exe command to start VMware machines, but find it annoying that the VMware Workstation window always opens in the foreground? If so, this article will provide a solution using the nogui option in the vmrun.exe command.

What is VMware and vmrun.exe?

VMware is a leading virtualization and cloud computing software provider. VMware Workstation is one of their popular products, allowing you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine.

vmrun.exe is a command-line utility that comes with VMware Workstation, enabling you to control VMware virtual machines without launching the GUI.

Why Bringing VMware Workstation Window Foreground is Annoying?

While using vmrun.exe to start VMware virtual machines can be very convenient, it can be bothersome when the VMware Workstation GUI pops up in the foreground every time you start a virtual machine. This behavior can distract you from your current task and result in reduced productivity.

Using the nogui Option

Fortunately, VMware has provided a solution to this minor inconvenience. By using the nogui option in the vmrun.exe command, you can start virtual machines without the Workstation GUI opening in the foreground.

Syntax of the nogui Option

The nogui option should be added at the end of the vmrun.exe command like so:

vmrun.exe start [options] [path-to-vmx] [args] nogui

Example

Assuming you want to start a virtual machine with the name MyVirtualMachine, and your VMware Workstation is installed in the default location on a Windows machine:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Workstation\vmrun.exe" start "C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\Virtual Machines\MyVirtualMachine\MyVirtualMachine.vmx" nogui

Advantages of Using the nogui Option

There are several benefits of using the nogui option:

Prevents the Workstation GUI from jumping to the foreground
Allows you to work on other tasks while the virtual machine starts in the background
Provides a more seamless experience when automating or scripting virtual machine startups

Starting VMware virtual machines via the command line using vmrun.exe can be a timesaver. However, it can be annoying when the GUI opens in the foreground. By using the nogui option, you can bypass this behavior and start virtual machines in the background. This enables you to maintain focus on your current task and increase productivity.

References

VMware Workstation Pro 16.0 Documentation - Using vmrun

Tags: VMware Virtualization Tech Support

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