VMware Workstation Pro vs Windows Subsystem for Linux

VMware Workstation Pro

Description: VMware Workstation Pro is a desktop virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single physical machine. It is used for software development, testing, running legacy apps, and training.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Windows Subsystem for Linux

Description: The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It enables running Linux terminal commands and apps side-by-side with Windows apps.

Type: software

VMware Workstation Pro Features

• Create and run multiple virtual machines simultaneously
• Install and run over 200 operating systems including Windows, Linux, etc
• Isolate VMs from host machine for added security
• Take snapshots to save VM state and revert anytime
• Drag-and-drop files between host and VMs
• Virtual networking and sharing options
• 3D graphics support for gaming, CAD, etc
• Unity mode to run VMs seamlessly with host desktop
• Remote connection to access VMs remotely
• VM encryption and cloning

Windows Subsystem for Linux Features

• Run Linux distributions directly on Windows 10/11
• Access Linux terminal commands and apps from Windows
• Seamless integration between Linux and Windows environments
• Ability to access Linux file systems from Windows
• Support for popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora
• Lightweight and fast compared to traditional virtual machines

VMware Workstation Pro

• Open Source

Windows Subsystem for Linux

• Not listed