VMware Workstation uses kernel modules to work, but their official releases don't compile on newer kernel versions that Fedora ships and don't work with secure boot because they're not signed.
This script installs modified kernel modules and a service to automatically build them at boot for every kernel update, offering a more seamless experience.
The current version of this software is made for Fedora 42 and VMware Workstation 17.6. This software is provided as-is, proceed at your own risk. If you wish, read the source to see what it does before you run it.
Currently using modified kernel modules from Bytium.
This tool uses the same keys used by akmods for signing modules (such as the RPM Fusion NVIDIA proprietary drivers) so they're able to be loaded with secure boot enabled.
You can check if your system has secure boot enabled by running the following command:
mokutil --sb-stateIf secure boot is disabled, you can skip this section.
To verify if the akmods key is present and trusted by your boot process, run test_mok.sh as root.
If the key is not present or not enrolled, please follow the RPM Fusion secure boot how-to.
Warning
Enrolling a new MOK will trip Bitlocker encryption if you have it enabled in a Windows dual-boot. Make sure you have access to your recovery keys.
The script will prevent you from installing if you have secure boot enabled but don't have a MOK available.
To use the script, run the following commands:
# after having installed VMware from their official installer
git clone https://github.com/jhenriquelc/fedora-vmware-installer.git
cd fedora-vmware-installer
sudo ./install.shTo uninstall the modules' reinstaller script:
- Delete the service at
/etc/systemd/system/vm-host-modules-reinstall.service. - Delete the modules source folder and reinstall script at
/opt/vm-host-modules.