GNOME Boxes as a Linux alternative to VMware Workstation Pro
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Boxes is a decent replacement for VMware Workstation Pro only if you prioritize simplicity over advanced features. It works well for basic virtualization tasks like running Linux or Windows guests with minimal setup, but lacks support for complex configurations. Power users needing precise control over networking, USB, or 3D graphics will find it limiting. It's best suited for casual users or newcomers who want a straightforward, no-frills way to run VMs on GNOME without managing technical details.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 50.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both run virtual machines using QEMU/KVM under the hood
- Support Windows and Linux guest operating systems
- Offer snapshot functionality for VM states
- Provide drag-and-drop file sharing between host and guest
- Allow ISO and network-based guest OS installations
What is different
- GNOME Boxes lacks bridged networking configuration options
- No support for advanced USB device passthrough
- Missing fine-grained control over VM hardware settings
- No shared folders with persistent two-way sync
- Limited 3D graphics acceleration compared to VMware's tools
Opening your VMware Workstation Pro files
GNOME Boxes does not directly open VMware Workstation Pro .vmx or .vmdk files. You can convert VMware disk images to raw or qcow2 format using qemu-img, then import them manually. However, full compatibility isn't guaranteed due to differences in virtual hardware abstraction. VMware-specific features like snapshots or VM settings won't carry over automatically.
Switching from VMware Workstation Pro to GNOME Boxes, step by step
- Install GNOME Boxes via your distribution's package manager
- Convert existing VMware .vmdk disks to qcow2 using: qemu-img convert -f vmdk -O qcow2 image.vmdk image.qcow2
- Launch GNOME Boxes and create a new VM using the converted image
- Attach ISO files or use network install for new guests
- Enable user session permissions for libvirt if prompted
Key features of GNOME Boxes
- Uses libvirt/QEMU backend
- Simple drag‑and‑drop VM creation
- Automatic guest OS detection
- Snapshot support (basic)
- Remote host access via SSH
- Integration with GNOME Shell
- Supports ISO, disk image, or network install
How to install GNOME Boxes on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-boxessudo apt install gnome-boxessudo dnf install gnome-boxessudo pacman -S gnome-boxessudo zypper install gnome-boxesFrequently asked questions
Can GNOME Boxes run Windows 10 or 11 guests?
Yes, GNOME Boxes can run Windows 10 and 11 as guest operating systems, but performance may vary. 3D acceleration and driver support are limited compared to VMware, so expect basic desktop functionality without full Aero or gaming performance.
Does GNOME Boxes support snapshots like VMware?
Yes, but only basic snapshot functionality. You can create and restore snapshots, but management is limited compared to VMware's full snapshot tree and labeling system. Use it for simple rollbacks, not complex versioning.
Why can't I see advanced networking options in GNOME Boxes?
GNOME Boxes hides low-level settings by design. It uses NAT by default and doesn't expose bridged or host-only networking configuration in the UI. For more control, consider using virt-manager instead.