> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://johnoraw.gitbook.io/lnp/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://johnoraw.gitbook.io/lnp/2.gns3/alternative-installations/gns3-on-vmware.md).

# GNS3 on VMWare

For students using VMWare Workstation at home, or in the University Labs

I will assume you have already installed VMWare Workstation. If you need to install this on a home computer, discuss with your lecturer. If you are working in a University laboratory, this will be preinstalled.

You should have already completed the Simple GNS3 install on your home computer. If you are working in a University laboratory, this will be preinstalled.

On the GNS3 Downloads page, I click to download the GNS3 VM.

<figure><img src="https://3973593522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbuXMcoW2S0X8KE0jLpdN%2Fuploads%2FkakbSJXahsTcl1tfVLtx%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1228b61e-ee68-4478-a20b-6d74ab942680" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

I am given several options, I select **VMWare Workstation and Fusion**. At time of writing, this was over 1GB, you need decent broadband.

<figure><img src="https://3973593522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbuXMcoW2S0X8KE0jLpdN%2Fuploads%2FW6lVDOpxiYg656YgjX7k%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f9a520d9-aa1d-4641-a2a0-898fca94196f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The download is in a ZIP format, you need to extract the file, I do so in the Downloads folder.

There is a single .ova file, open that in VMWare Workstation.

<figure><img src="https://3973593522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbuXMcoW2S0X8KE0jLpdN%2Fuploads%2FPLnNL1PP8AEpTLioqhoV%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=3cad50fc-9b9a-454c-ab6c-a605d482d50f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Next I open GNS3 and go to **Edit->Preferences->GNS3 VM**.

<figure><img src="https://3973593522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbuXMcoW2S0X8KE0jLpdN%2Fuploads%2FObEoXw327JwzJZE0Tkzv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=131dcebb-933e-4b0e-b58c-42cc3fd3abff" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

I select **Enable the GNS3 VM** and under virtualization engine, I select **VMWare Workstation** and click **OK**.

<figure><img src="https://3973593522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbuXMcoW2S0X8KE0jLpdN%2Fuploads%2FMEnHr3Rd7sUjuNl2grz4%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4327ffc5-7c8a-4080-b41d-bcf8380baf14" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>