Boot from a USB Flash Drive in VMware Workstation

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We all have been playing around with VMware Workstation from long time. We are installing and testing all the operating systems features and lot of advanced configurations in VMware workstation. IN general, we will always attach ISO images to our Workstation to boot  and install Guest operating system in the virtual machine. Have you ever tried to boot  your Virtual Machine in VMware workstation from USB falsh drive. You will not be able to do it. It is one of the limitation of the VMware workstation and you will not be  given any option in Virtual Machine BIOS to boot from USB drive. This can be achieved with the help of free tool called Plop Boot Manager. This post tells you the step by step procedure how to boot VM’s in VMware workstation from USB with the use of Plop Boot Manager.

1. Download the Plop Boot Manager

2.Extract the downloaded ZIP file in your local hard disk

3. Go your  virtual Machine settings and Make sure the USB controller is added and below 2 connection options are selected

Enable high-speed support for USB 2.0 devices
Automatically connect new USB devices

Boot from USB in VMware Workstation
4. Now attach the ISO image of Plop boot Manager to your virtual Machine.

5. Power on to BIOS to load the virtual Machine BIOS when power on. Click on VM tab and Select Power and choose Power On to BIOS. Make sure your Virtual Machine is configured to boot from CD-ROM. Save the BIOS and exit.

6. We will be given with the option to Boot the VM from (Floppy,CDROM & USB) from the Plop Boot Manager

7. Choose USB to from boot options.(Make sure your USB device is connected to your Virtual Machine by click on VM > Removable devices ->Choose your USB drive -> Connect (Disconnect from Host)

8.It will boot into your USB drive and list the options to boot from

That’s it. You are Done.  I believe this is informative for you. Be Social and share this post in your social media if you think it is useful.