Open-VM Tools is the open-source implementation of VMware Tools, maintained by VMware and distributed through Ubuntu’s default repositories. If you run Ubuntu as a guest operating system inside VMware Workstation, VMware Player, or VMware ESXi, installing Open-VM Tools enables seamless clipboard sharing between host and guest, automatic screen resizing when you resize the VM window, drag-and-drop file transfers, shared folders, and accurate time synchronization. By the end of this guide, you will have Open-VM Tools installed and verified on your Ubuntu system, with the appropriate package selected for desktop or server environments.
Update Ubuntu Before Open-VM Tools Installation
Before installing any new software, update your existing Ubuntu packages to ensure compatibility and reduce potential security vulnerabilities. Open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T and run the following commands:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFor a more detailed guide on updating packages on Ubuntu, refer to our dedicated article.
Choose Your Open-VM Tools Package
By default, Ubuntu virtual machines do not include Open-VM Tools. Therefore, you need to install the package manually to enable VMware integration features. Additionally, Open-VM Tools is the recommended replacement for the legacy proprietary VMware Tools installer that VMware previously distributed through CD images.
Three packages are available depending on your environment:
| Package | Environment | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| open-vm-tools-desktop | Desktop GUI | Core tools + clipboard, drag-drop, display resize | Ubuntu Desktop users |
| open-vm-tools | Server/Headless | Core tools only (no GUI features) | Ubuntu Server users |
| open-vm-tools-dev | Development | Headers and libraries for building modules | Developers and contributors |
For most desktop users, install open-vm-tools-desktop to get the full integration experience. In contrast, server administrators running headless VMs only need the base open-vm-tools package.
Install Open-VM Tools for Desktop
Specifically, for Ubuntu Desktop with a graphical interface, install open-vm-tools-desktop to enable clipboard sharing, drag-and-drop, and automatic display resizing:
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktopInstall Open-VM Tools for Server
Alternatively, for headless Ubuntu Server environments without a GUI, install the minimal open-vm-tools package:
sudo apt install open-vm-toolsInstall Development Package (Optional)
Additionally, developers who need to build custom modules or contribute to the open-vm-tools project can install the development headers:
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-devRestart to Apply Changes
After installation, reboot your system so the kernel modules can load. Kernel modules are like device drivers in Windows; they let the Linux kernel communicate with VMware’s virtual hardware. As a result, without a reboot, features like shared folders and automatic display resizing will not work.
sudo rebootVerify Open-VM Tools Installation
Once you have rebooted, verify that Open-VM Tools installed correctly and that the service is running.
Check Installed Package Version
First, confirm the installed package version:
apt-cache policy open-vm-toolsBelow is example output showing a successful installation:
open-vm-tools:
Installed: 2:12.5.0-1~ubuntu0.24.04.2
Candidate: 2:12.5.0-1~ubuntu0.24.04.2
Version table:
*** 2:12.5.0-1~ubuntu0.24.04.2 500
500 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu noble-updates/main amd64 Packages
Verify the Service is Running
Next, check that the Open-VM Tools service started successfully:
systemctl status open-vm-toolsSpecifically, the output should show Active: active (running):
● open-vm-tools.service - Open VM Tools
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/open-vm-tools.service; enabled)
Active: active (running)
Troubleshoot Common Issues
If Open-VM Tools features are not working as expected, review the following common problems and their solutions.
Service Not Running After Reboot
If the service failed to start, first check the logs for errors:
sudo journalctl -u open-vm-tools --no-pager | tail -20For example, a healthy log shows messages like:
Started open-vm-tools.service - Open VM Tools. vmtoolsd[1234]: Plugin 'vmsvc' initialized. vmtoolsd[1234]: Plugin 'resolutionKMS' initialized.
However, if you see errors or the service is not enabled, re-enable and restart it:
sudo systemctl enable --now open-vm-toolsClipboard or Drag-and-Drop Not Working
These features require the desktop package. To verify, check whether it is installed:
dpkg -l | grep open-vm-tools-desktopIf installed correctly, you should see output similar to the following:
ii open-vm-tools-desktop 2:12.5.0-1~ubuntu0.24.04.2 amd64 Open VMware Tools for virtual machines hosted on VMware (GUI)
Otherwise, if nothing appears, install the desktop package and reboot:
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop && sudo rebootFeatures Break After Kernel Update
After a kernel update, the Open-VM Tools kernel modules may need to be rebuilt. In most cases, reinstalling the package resolves this issue:
sudo apt reinstall open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop && sudo rebootRemove Open-VM Tools
To completely uninstall Open-VM Tools along with all related packages, run the following command:
sudo apt remove --purge open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop open-vm-tools-devAfterward, clean up any unused dependencies:
sudo apt autoremoveThe --purge flag removes the system configuration files in /etc/vmware-tools/. Furthermore, Open-VM Tools does not store user-specific data in home directories, so no additional cleanup is needed.
Conclusion
You now have Open-VM Tools installed and running on Ubuntu, enabling clipboard sharing, automatic display resizing, drag-and-drop file transfers, and time synchronization with your VMware host. Going forward, keep Open-VM Tools updated alongside your regular system updates to maintain compatibility with newer VMware releases. Additionally, for other virtualization options on Ubuntu, see our guide on installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu.