VMware Fusion
Preparing Your Mac for VMWare Installation
Intended Audience
This article is intended for WSU Mac laptop users and/or those who are interested in learning more about the Mac application, VMware Fusion.
Important Information
- VMWare installed in two parts: VMware License and then the Windows install.
- VMware may run slow with certain windows applications because it is sharing memory with the Mac operating system.
- Corrupt files may be caused by viruses and spyware.
- If a file in VMware becomes corrupt data stored within on the PC side may be lost/unrecoverable.
- Most of the time corrupt files in VMware will require that the windows side of the laptop image be reimaged.
- The VMware application should be shut down after every use. Do not just shut the lid with VMware running. If you do not do this it can cause file corruption.
- You should start up your machine and VMware at least one hour before you will be using any application via VMware.
- Check to see if the app is available in Software Additions for the Mac before you install it on VMware. Running Mac application on your Mac will work much better for you.
- Your VMware license will expire after one year. If you wish to renew your license you will be responsible for the additional year cost.
Overview
Fusion is a Mac application that allows users to install Microsoft Windows on their Mac laptop and then switch between the Mac and Windows operating systems quickly and easily, without restarting their laptop. All WSU students, faculty, and staff who lease a Mac laptop through the e-Warrior Digital Life and Learning Program can arrange to have Windows 10 and Fusion installed. Consult the Preparing Your Mac For VMware Fusion article for installation instructions.
Licensing
Faculty and Students: VMware is free for one year.
Staff: VMware is NOT free. Cost is $35 and it must be purchased from On-the-hub.
Using Fusion
Basics
Fusion works as a virtual machine, which essentially has its own virtual hardware and configuration. When running the program, Windows is considered the "guest" operating system and Mac OS is considered the "native" operating system. What is important to remember here is that when the guest operating system is operating, the native operating system continues to run at the same time.
To use Windows, simply click inside the Fusion window. You can now control the arrow inside the Windows system only. To return to the Mac system, press the Command + Control buttons. Refer to keyboard commands below for more information.
Keyboard Commands
| Return to Mac | Command + Control |
| Toggle Full Screen | Command + Control + Return |
| Toggle Unity Mode | Command + Control + U |
| Toggle Single Window | Command + Control + S |
| Hide Application | Command + H |
| Hide Other Applications | Command + Option + H |
Unity Mode
Unity mode integrates open Windows programs into the Mac OS Finder. By selecting this option, you can run your Mac and Windows programs in a seamless environment. It also has the option to hide the start menu and taskbar, running Windows applications from the dock in the Finder. When working in unity mode, open Windows programs will operate as though they were a Mac program. For example, clicking "minimize" on the window will minimize the program into the dock, just as it would on a Mac.
Unity mode also allows for the direct access to programs directly through the finder. To open a Windows program through the Finder, click on the Fusion logo on the Mac OS menubar. This opens a start menu directly in the Finder. Use this start menu as you would on a Windows computer.
To return to single window or full screen mode, go to the "view" menu and select the respective option. This will integrate any open Windows programs back into the Windows environment.
Transferring Files
Fusion offers a way to seamlessly access/transfer files from Mac to Windows, and vice versa. The first option is to simply drag and drop the file or folder of your choice from one window to the other. You can also access the files on your Mac by opening "VMware Shared Folders" on the desktop of the Windows virtual machine.
Helpful Information
Q. How do I setup dual monitors inside of VMware Windows 10?
A. When you connect a 2nd display to your mac while running VMware Fusion in full screen it automatically does dual monitors. You can do this manually by going to View -> Use All Displays in Full Screen
Q. Can I take screenshots in VMware Windows 10?
A. The Snipping Tool works well for screen shots. It is faster, too, because it gives you the option to save directly to jpg or you can hit the copy button and paste it into whatever app your working in. Plus you can snip only what you need on the screen so you don’t have to crop anything.
Q. Can I install VMware Tools?
A. For those students who don’t have the tools installed, you can go to Virtual Machine –> Install VMWare Tools.
Q. How do I update VMware Fusion?
A. When you run Fusion a message will pop up if a new version is available for download. You can also select VMware Fusion > Check for Updates in the menu.
Q. My iSight camera is not being recognized on Fusion?
A. Go to: Virtual Machine -> Settings -> USB Connect -> click Enable iSight camera. click yes to download driver. refresh page. your iSight camera will now work.
"VMware" Folder
The files necessary for Fusion to run are located in the VMware folder. This folder is located within your Documents folder.
IMPORTANT: Do not move the VMware folder. If the VMware folder is moved, Fusion will not run.
Other Resources
Top 20 VMware Keyboard shortcuts
To access tutorials on using Fusion, check out the VMware Fusion support site. https://www.vmware.com/support/product-support/fusion/