As of late 2024, Broadcom (the owner of VMware) has made significant changes to how Fusion is distributed:
Modern versions can be downloaded and used without a traditional license key, simplifying the setup process for new users.
This update improved 3D graphics performance by supporting DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3, which was essential for running engineering software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks on a Mac. VMware Fusion Pro 11.5.0
It added support for Jumbo Frames on virtual networks, improving data transfer speeds for complex lab environments. Licensing and Modern Availability
A major addition for developers was vctl , a command-line tool for building, running, and managing containers (like Docker) directly within Fusion without needing a full VM. As of late 2024, Broadcom (the owner of
If you are using a newer Mac with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) , version 11.5.0 is not compatible. You must use the latest version of VMware Fusion to run Windows 11 or Linux on ARM-based hardware. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Users often encountered specific hurdles with this specific release on macOS Catalina: Licensing and Modern Availability A major addition for
Are you looking to install version 11.5.0 on an , or are you moving to a new M-series Mac ? VMware Fusion Pro 11.5.0 on macOS Catalina - USB Issues