These parameters are largely undocumented and unsupported by VMware. Always backup your .vmx files before making changes and test in non-production environments first.
- File Format and Structure
- Basic Virtual Machine Configuration
- Hardware Configuration
- Performance and Optimization
- Security and Isolation
- Networking Configuration
- Storage and Disk Management
- Input Devices
- Display and Graphics
- Virtualization Features
- Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Power Management
- Advanced System Features
- Host-Specific Configurations
- Example Configurations
VMX files use a simple key-value pair format:
key = "value"
# Comments start with #.encoding = "UTF-8" # File encoding format
config.version = "8" # Configuration file version
virtualHW.version = "19" # Virtual hardware version (affects available features)displayName = "My Virtual Machine" # Display name in VMware interface
guestOS = "windows10-64" # Guest OS identifier (affects default hardware)
uuid.bios = "56 4d 9b ef ac d9 85 e6-42 7c 86 a0 78 6e 74 21" # BIOS UUID
uuid.location = "56 4d 9b ef ac d9 85 e6-42 7c 86 a0 78 6e 74 21" # Location UUIDmemSize = "8192" # RAM in MB allocated to VM
memory.hotadd = "TRUE" # Enable memory hot-add while VM is running
memory.hotremove = "TRUE" # Enable memory hot-remove while VM is running
memory.maxsize = "16384" # Maximum memory size limit in MB
memory.minsize = "512" # Minimum memory size limit in MB
mem.hotadd = "TRUE" # Alternative memory hot-add settingnumvcpus = "4" # Number of virtual CPU cores
vcpu.hotadd = "TRUE" # Enable CPU hot-add while VM is running
vcpu.hotremove = "TRUE" # Enable CPU hot-remove while VM is running
cpuid.coresPerSocket = "2" # CPU cores per socket (affects NUMA topology)bios.bootDelay = "5000" # Boot delay in milliseconds before starting OS
bios.forceSetupOnce = "TRUE" # Force BIOS setup screen on next boot
bios.bootOrder = "cdrom,hdd" # Device boot order priority
bios.bootRetry.enabled = "TRUE" # Enable boot retry on failure
bios.bootRetry.delay = "10000" # Boot retry delay in milliseconds
bios.hddOrder = "scsi0:0" # Hard disk boot order specification
bios440.filename = "bios440.rom" # Use custom BIOS ROM filechipset.onlineStandby = "FALSE" # Disable online standby power management
chipset.useAcpiBattery = "TRUE" # Enable ACPI battery support for laptops
chipset.useApmBattery = "FALSE" # Disable APM battery (legacy power management)
chipset.useHotButtons = "TRUE" # Enable hardware hot buttons support
chipset.version = "piix4" # Chipset type (piix4 is most compatible)pciBridge.present = "TRUE" # Enable PCI bridge for additional slots
pci.pciSlotNumber = "16" # PCI slot assignment for devices
pci.allowPassthrough = "TRUE" # Allow PCI device passthrough to guest# USB Controller Base Configuration
usb.present = "TRUE" # Enable USB controller presence
usb.generic.allowHID = "TRUE" # Allow Human Interface Devices
usb.generic.autoconnect = "FALSE" # Disable automatic USB device connection
usb.restrictions.defaultAllow = "TRUE" # Allow USB devices by default
usb.analyzer.enable = "FALSE" # Disable USB traffic analyzer
usb.ccid.disable = "FALSE" # Enable smart card (CCID) support
# Enhanced USB Host Controller
ehci.present = "TRUE" # Enable Enhanced USB controller (USB 2.0)
# USB Virtual Device Configuration
usb.vusb.present = "TRUE" # Enable virtual USB device support
usb.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Activate virtual USB functionality# Host Display Scaling and Fullscreen
gui.applyHostDisplayScalingToGuest = "TRUE" # Apply host DPI scaling to guest display
gui.fullscreenAtPowerOn = "TRUE" # Launch VM in fullscreen mode automatically
gui.viewModeAtPowerOn = "fullscreen" # Set initial view mode (windowed/fullscreen)
# Auto-fit and Scaling Preferences
pref.autoFit = "FALSE" # Disable automatic window fitting
pref.autoFitGuestToWindow = "FALSE" # Disable guest resolution to window size fitting
pref.autoFitFullScreen = "stretchGuestToHost" # Stretch guest display in fullscreen mode
pref.motionGrab = "FALSE" # Disable automatic mouse capture
pref.motionUngrab = "FALSE" # Disable automatic mouse release
# Toolbar and Interface Settings
pref.vmplayer.fullscreen.autohide = "TRUE" # Auto-hide toolbar in fullscreen mode
pref.fullscreen.toolbarpixels = "0" # Minimize toolbar size (0 = invisible)
pref.vmplayer.fullscreen.nobar = "TRUE" # Completely hide toolbar in fullscreen
pref.vmplayer.deviceBarToplevel = "TRUE" # Keep toolbar at top level
pref.vmplayer.exit.vmAction = "poweroff" # Action when closing VMware Player# Disable Automatic Updates and Telemetry
installerDefaults.autoSoftwareUpdateEnabled = "FALSE" # Disable auto-updates
installerDefaults.componentDownloadEnabled = "FALSE" # Disable component downloads
installerDefaults.dataCollectionEnabled = "FALSE" # Disable data collection/telemetry
pref.autoSoftwareUpdatePermission = "deny" # Deny update permissions
pref.vmplayer.dataCollectionEnabled = "FALSE" # Disable VMware Player telemetry
tools.upgrade.policy = "manual" # Set VMware Tools upgrade to manual# System Priority Settings
Priority.grabbed = "high" # High priority when VM has focus
Priority.ungrabbed = "low" # Low priority when VM loses focus
# Advanced CPU Scheduling
sched.cpu.latencySensitivity = "high" # Low-latency CPU scheduling (normal/low/high)
cpuid.numSMT = "2" # SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) threads per core
sched.cpu.affinity = "0-3" # Bind VM to specific CPU cores (0-3)
sched.cpu.min = "0" # Minimum CPU allocation percentage
sched.cpu.max = "unlimited" # Maximum CPU allocation limit
sched.cpu.shares = "normal" # CPU shares priority (low/normal/high)# Memory Optimization Settings
mainMem.useNamedFile = "FALSE" # Disable named memory file creation
mainMem.backing = "swap" # Memory backing store type (swap/file)
mainMem.partialLazySave = "TRUE" # Enable partial lazy save for snapshots
mainMem.partialLazyRestore = "TRUE" # Enable partial lazy restore from snapshots
MemTrimRate = "0" # Disable memory trimming (0 = disabled)
MemAllowAutoScaleDown = "FALSE" # Prevent automatic memory scaling down
sched.mem.pshare.enable = "FALSE" # Disable transparent page sharing
prefvmx.useRecommendedLockedMemSize = "TRUE" # Use recommended locked memory size
prefvmx.minVmMemPct = "100" # Minimum VM memory percentage
# Memory Scheduling
sched.mem.min = "0" # Minimum memory reservation in MB
sched.mem.max = "unlimited" # Maximum memory limit
sched.mem.shares = "normal" # Memory shares priority (low/normal/high)# High-Performance Graphics Settings
mks.vsync = "TRUE" # Enable VSync to reduce screen tearing
mks.updateCoalescePeriodUS = "0" # Reduce display latency (0 = immediate updates)
mks.skipHookTimeoutCheck = "TRUE" # Skip timeout checks for better responsiveness
mks.requireHardwareRenderer = "TRUE" # Force hardware-accelerated rendering
mks.allowAcceleratedRenderers = "TRUE" # Allow GPU-accelerated renderers
# FPS and Refresh Rate Controls
mks.maxRefreshRate = "120" # Maximum refresh rate in Hz
mks.lowCompositingFPS = "60" # Minimum compositing frame rate
mks.maxCompositingFPS = "120" # Maximum compositing frame rate
# Advanced Mouse and Input Settings
mks.gamingMouse.policy = "gaming" # Optimize mouse for gaming (reduces lag)
mks.keyboardFilter = "require" # Require keyboard input filtering
mks.disableTypematic = "TRUE" # Disable key repeat in guest OS
mks.disableRemoteClientTypematic = "TRUE" # Disable remote client key repeat
mks.useDirectInput = "TRUE" # Use DirectInput for better input responsiveness
# OpenGL Optimization Settings
mks.gl.magFilter = "0x2600" # GL_NEAREST for sharper texture scaling
mks.gl.minFilter = "0x2600" # GL_NEAREST for sharper texture scaling
mks.gl.doubleBuffer = "TRUE" # Enable double buffering
mks.gl.fbo = "TRUE" # Use Frame Buffer Objects
mks.gl.useFBTexture = "TRUE" # Use framebuffer textures
mks.gl.dontLogErrors = "TRUE" # Reduce OpenGL logging overhead
mks.gl.noTimeInfo = "TRUE" # Disable OpenGL timing logs
mks.gl.allowBlacklistedDrivers = "TRUE" # Override driver blacklist (Intel/Mesa)# Graphics Renderer Selection (choose only ONE)
mks.enableD3DRenderer = "FALSE" # Direct3D renderer
mks.enableDX8Renderer = "FALSE" # DirectX 8 renderer
mks.enableDX9Renderer = "FALSE" # DirectX 9 renderer
mks.enableDX10Renderer = "FALSE" # DirectX 10 renderer
mks.enableDX11Renderer = "TRUE" # DirectX 11 renderer (recommended for Windows)
mks.enableDX12Renderer = "FALSE" # DirectX 12 renderer (newest, may be unstable)
mks.enableGLRenderer = "FALSE" # OpenGL renderer (good for Linux)
mks.enableVulkanRenderer = "FALSE" # Vulkan renderer (best performance, if supported)
# Renderer Stability Settings
mks.d3d.disableFlips = "TRUE" # Disable D3D presentation flips
mks.dx11.disableFlips = "TRUE" # Disable DX11 presentation flips
mks.dx12.disableFlips = "TRUE" # Disable DX12 presentation flips
# GPU Vendor Specification (for multi-GPU systems)
mks.dx11.vendorID = "0x10DE" # Force specific GPU (0x8086=Intel, 0x10DE=Nvidia, 0x1002=AMD)
mks.vk.forceDevice = "NVIDIA" # Force specific Vulkan device by name
mks.vk.allowUnsupportedDevices = "TRUE" # Allow unsupported Vulkan devices# Linux-Specific Presentation (mutually exclusive)
mks.enableX11Presentation = "FALSE" # X11 presentation layer
mks.enableVulkanPresentation = "TRUE" # Vulkan presentation (recommended for Linux)
# Windows-Specific Presentation
mks.dx11.enableModernPresentation = "TRUE" # Modern DX11 presentation mode
mks.dx11.waitForQueryYieldMS = "1" # GPU query yield timeout in milliseconds# Modern CPU and Hardware Features
vhu.enable = "TRUE" # Enable VT-x/AMD-V host features
vpmc.enable = "TRUE" # Virtualized Performance Counters
mce.enable = "TRUE" # Machine Check Exception support
vmGenCounter.enable = "FALSE" # VM generation counter (disable for stealth)
ulm.disableMitigations = "TRUE" # Disable CPU side-channel attack mitigations
# Enhanced Storage Features
scsi0:0.virtualSSD = "TRUE" # Present disk as SSD to guest OS
ide0:0.virtualSSD = "TRUE" # Present IDE disk as SSD to guest OS
sata0.present = "TRUE" # Enable SATA controller
# Additional Device Support
hpet0.present = "TRUE" # High Precision Event Timer
serial0.present = "TRUE" # Serial port support# Virtual Machine Communication Interface
vmci.available = "TRUE" # Enable VMCI availability
vmci.filter.enable = "FALSE" # Disable VMCI filtering for performance
vmci0.present = "TRUE" # VMCI device presence
vmci0.unrestricted = "TRUE" # Unrestricted VMCI access# Hide VM Characteristics from Guest OS
hypervisor.cpuid.v0 = "FALSE" # Hide hypervisor CPUID leaf 0
hypervisor.cpuid.v1 = "FALSE" # Hide hypervisor CPUID leaf 1
hypervisor.cpuid.v2 = "FALSE" # Hide hypervisor CPUID leaf 2
hypervisor.cpuid.v3 = "FALSE" # Hide hypervisor CPUID leaf 3
# Pass-through Host Hardware Information
hw.model.reflectHost = "TRUE" # Reflect host hardware model to guest
smbios.reflectHost = "TRUE" # Reflect host SMBIOS information
smbios.useShortSerialNumber = "TRUE" # Use short serial numbers
serialNumber.reflectHost = "TRUE" # Reflect host serial number# High-Quality Audio Settings
sound.present = "TRUE" # Enable sound card
sound.autoDetect = "TRUE" # Auto-detect host audio devices
sound.virtualDev = "hdaudio" # Use HD Audio device (best quality)
sound.fileName = "-1" # Use default host audio device
sound.opl3.enabled = "TRUE" # Enable OPL3 FM synthesis
sound.mpu401.host = "TRUE" # Enable MPU-401 MIDI interface
# Linux Host ALSA-Specific Audio
sound.fileName = "surround51:CARD=Live,DEV=0" # Specific ALSA 5.1 surround device
sound.fileName = "front:CARD=Live,DEV=0" # ALSA front speakers only
sound.autodetect = "FALSE" # Disable audio auto-detection# System Behavior and Compatibility
paevm = "TRUE" # Enable PAE for >4GB memory on 32-bit guests
devices.hotplug = "FALSE" # Disable device hot-plugging
suspend.disabled = "TRUE" # Disable suspend functionality
tools.syncTime = "FALSE" # Disable automatic time synchronization
# Sensor Management
sensor.location = "disabled" # Disable GPS location sensors
sensor.orientation = "disabled" # Disable orientation sensors
# VMware-Specific Optimizations
vmmon.disableHostParameters = "TRUE" # Fix host memory allocation issues
vmx.buildType = "release" # Use release build (not debug)
vmx.scoreboard.enabled = "FALSE" # Disable scoreboard files creationisolation.tools.copy.disable = "TRUE" # Disable copy operation from host to guest
isolation.tools.paste.disable = "TRUE" # Disable paste operation from host to guest
isolation.tools.dnd.disable = "TRUE" # Disable drag & drop between host and guest
isolation.tools.diskShrink.disable = "TRUE" # Disable disk shrink operation
isolation.tools.diskWiper.disable = "TRUE" # Disable disk wiping tools
isolation.tools.hgfs.disable = "TRUE" # Disable Host Guest File System (shared folders)isolation.device.connectable.disable = "TRUE" # Disable runtime device connection
isolation.device.edit.disable = "TRUE" # Disable device configuration editingisolation.tools.vixMessage.disable = "TRUE" # Disable VIX API messages
Guest.Command.Enabled = "FALSE" # Disable guest command executionisolation.monitor.control.disable = "TRUE" # Disable monitor resolution control
monitor_control.disable_mmu_largepages = "TRUE" # Disable MMU large pagesethernet0.present = "TRUE" # Enable primary network adapter
ethernet0.connectionType = "nat" # Connection type (nat/bridged/hostonly/custom)
ethernet0.virtualDev = "e1000e" # Virtual network device type
ethernet0.addressType = "generated" # MAC address type (generated/static)
ethernet0.generatedAddress = "00:0c:29:xx:xx:xx" # Generated MAC address
ethernet0.startConnected = "TRUE" # Connect network on VM startup
ethernet0.noPromisc = "TRUE" # Prevent promiscuous mode
ethernet0.noForgedSrcAddr = "TRUE" # Prevent MAC address spoofing
# High-Performance Network Adapter
ethernet0.virtualDev = "vmxnet3" # VMware paravirtualized network adapter (best performance)scsi0.present = "TRUE" # Enable SCSI controller
scsi0.virtualDev = "lsilogic" # SCSI adapter type (lsilogic/buslogic/pvscsi)
scsi0.sharedBus = "none" # Shared bus setting (none/virtual/physical)
# High-Performance Storage Controllers
scsi0.virtualDev = "pvscsi" # VMware Paravirtual SCSI (best I/O performance)
scsi0.virtualDev = "lsisas1068" # LSI SAS adapter for compatibilityscsi0:0.present = "TRUE" # Enable primary disk
scsi0:0.fileName = "disk.vmdk" # Virtual disk file name
scsi0:0.deviceType = "scsi-hardDisk" # Device type specification
scsi0:0.mode = "persistent" # Disk mode (persistent/nonpersistent)
scsi0:0.virtualSSD = "TRUE" # Present disk as SSD to guest OSide1:0.present = "TRUE" # Enable CD/DVD drive
ide1:0.deviceType = "cdrom-image" # Device type (cdrom-image/cdrom-raw)
ide1:0.fileName = "image.iso" # ISO image file path
ide1:0.startConnected = "FALSE" # Start with drive disconnectedfloppy0.present = "TRUE" # Enable floppy drive
floppy0.fileName = "floppy.flp" # Floppy image file
floppy0.startConnected = "FALSE" # Start with floppy disconnected# Disk Geometry Settings
geometry.cylinders = "1024" # Number of cylinders (legacy)
geometry.heads = "16" # Number of heads (legacy)
geometry.sectors = "63" # Sectors per track (legacy)
# AIO (Asynchronous I/O) Settings
aiomgr.numThreads = "4" # Number of AIO threads for disk operations
aiomgr.unbuf = "TRUE" # Use unbuffered I/O operations
# Change Block Tracking (for backup solutions)
cbtmotion.filter.disable = "FALSE" # Enable CBT filter
cbtmotion.maxIters = "100" # Maximum CBT iterations# Enhanced Mouse Support (Combined .present + .enable pattern)
mouse.present = "FALSE" # Disable legacy PS/2 mouse
mouse.vusb.present = "TRUE" # Enable virtual USB mouse device
mouse.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Activate USB mouse functionality
mouse.vusb.useBasicMouse = "FALSE" # Use advanced mouse features (extra buttons)
vmmouse.present = "TRUE" # Keep VMware mouse integration
# USB Mouse Device Identification
mouse.vusb.idVendor = "0x0000" # USB vendor ID (0x0000 = auto-detect)
mouse.vusb.idProduct = "0x0000" # USB product ID (0x0000 = auto-detect)# Touchpad Configuration for VMware Guests
touchpad.general.enable = "TRUE" # Enable touchpad support
touchpad.general.motionSpeed = "50" # Touchpad motion speed (1-100)
touchpad.general.verticalScrolling = "TRUE" # Enable vertical scrolling
touchpad.tapping.tapToClick = "TRUE" # Enable tap-to-click
touchpad.tapping.speed = "medium" # Tapping speed (slow/medium/fast)
# TrackPoint Settings (for ThinkPad-style pointing sticks)
trackpoint.general.enable = "TRUE" # Enable TrackPoint support
trackpoint.general.enableButtons = "TRUE" # Enable TrackPoint buttons# Keyboard Device Settings (Combined .present + .enable pattern)
keyboard.present = "TRUE" # Enable keyboard device
keyboard.vusb.present = "TRUE" # Enable virtual USB keyboard
keyboard.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Activate USB keyboard functionality
keyboard.allowBothIRQs = "FALSE" # IRQ handling for keyboard
keyboard.typematicMinDelay = "2000000" # Key repeat delay in microsecondssvga.present = "TRUE" # Enable SVGA graphics adapter
svga.vramSize = "268435456" # Video RAM size in bytes (256MB)
svga.autodetect = "TRUE" # Auto-detect graphics capabilities
svga.maxWidth = "2560" # Maximum display width
svga.maxHeight = "1600" # Maximum display height
svga.3d.enabled = "TRUE" # Enable 3D acceleration support
svga.enableGMR = "TRUE" # Enable Guest Memory Regions
svga.enableScreenObject = "TRUE" # Enable screen objects supportmks.enable3d = "TRUE" # Enable 3D graphics acceleration
mks.forceDiscreteGPU = "TRUE" # Force use of discrete GPU (not integrated)vhv.enable = "TRUE" # Enable nested virtualization (Intel VT-x/AMD-V)
vvtd.enable = "TRUE" # Enable virtual VT-d (IOMMU virtualization)
vmx.allowNested = "TRUE" # Allow nested virtual machines
featMask.vm.hv.capable = "Min:1" # Hardware virtualization capability maskcpuid.enable_vmx = "TRUE" # Enable VMX instructions in guest
cpuid.enable_svm = "TRUE" # Enable SVM instructions in guest (AMD)
cpuid.disable_vme = "FALSE" # Virtual Mode Extensions support
cpuid.disable_mca = "FALSE" # Machine Check Architecture supportreplay.allowBTOnly = "TRUE" # Enable record/replay functionality
ft.secondary = "TRUE" # Enable fault tolerance (secondary VM)log.fileName = "vmware.log" # Log file name and location
log.append = "TRUE" # Append to existing log file
log.keep = "10" # Number of log files to retain
log.rotateSize = "100000" # Log rotation size in bytesvmx.buildType = "debug" # Enable debug build mode
debug.vmss = "TRUE" # Enable VMSS (VM Suspend State) debugging
checkpoint.vmState = "TRUE" # Enable checkpoint state debuggingmonitor_control.log_vmsample = "TRUE" # Enable VM performance samplingpowerType.powerOff = "soft" # Soft power off (ACPI shutdown)
powerType.powerOn = "soft" # Soft power on
powerType.suspend = "soft" # Soft suspend (ACPI sleep)
powerType.reset = "soft" # Soft reset (ACPI restart)suspend.disabled = "FALSE" # Enable suspend functionality
checkpoint.vmState = "FALSE" # Disable checkpoint state savingtime.synchronize.continue = "FALSE" # Continue time sync during normal operation
time.synchronize.restore = "TRUE" # Sync time when restoring from snapshot
time.synchronize.resume.disk = "TRUE" # Sync time when resuming from disk
time.synchronize.shrink = "TRUE" # Sync time during disk shrink operations
time.synchronize.tools.enable = "TRUE" # Enable VMware Tools time synchronization
time.synchronize.tools.startup = "TRUE" # Sync time at guest OS startup
tools.syncTime = "TRUE" # Enable time synchronization via VMware Toolshost.cpukHz = "3000000" # Host CPU frequency in KHz (e.g., 3GHz)
host.noTSC = "TRUE" # Disable Time Stamp Counter usage
ptsc.noTSC = "TRUE" # Keep guest clock accurate when TSC is unreliableunity.allowAppWindows = "TRUE" # Allow individual application windows
unity.customColor = "000000" # Custom window decoration color
unity.enableLaunchMenu = "TRUE" # Enable Unity launch menu
unity.showBorders = "TRUE" # Show window borders in Unity mode
unity.showBadges = "TRUE" # Show application badgessharedFolder.maxNum = "10" # Maximum number of shared folders
sharedFolder0.present = "TRUE" # Enable shared folder 0
sharedFolder0.enabled = "TRUE" # Activate shared folder
sharedFolder0.readAccess = "TRUE" # Allow read access
sharedFolder0.writeAccess = "TRUE" # Allow write access
sharedFolder0.hostPath = "/path/to/folder" # Host system path
sharedFolder0.guestName = "shared" # Name visible in guest OSmigrate.hostlog = "migrate.log" # Migration operation log file
migration.dataTimeout = "2000" # Data transfer timeout in seconds
migration.maxSwitchoverSeconds = "100" # Maximum switchover time for live migrationsnapshot.maxSnapshots = "100" # Maximum number of snapshots to retain
snapshot.periodicScreenshots = "TRUE" # Enable periodic screenshot capture
snapshot.action = "keep" # Snapshot retention action (keep/delete)numa.nodeAffinity = "0" # Bind VM to specific NUMA node
numa.vcpu.preferHT = "TRUE" # Prefer hyperthreading cores
numa.mem.interleave = "FALSE" # Disable memory interleaving across nodesRemoteDisplay.vnc.enabled = "TRUE" # Enable VNC remote access
RemoteDisplay.vnc.port = "5900" # VNC listening port
RemoteDisplay.vnc.password = "password" # VNC access password
RemoteDisplay.vnc.keyMap = "en-us" # Keyboard mapping for VNCguestinfo.hostname = "guest-vm" # Set guest hostname variable
guestinfo.ip = "192.168.1.100" # Set guest IP address variable# Memory Holes and PCI Configuration
pciHole.start = "3072" # PCI memory hole start address in MB
pciHole.use512MB = "FALSE" # Use 512MB PCI hole
pciHole.use1GB = "FALSE" # Use 1GB PCI hole
# Main Memory Advanced Settings
mainMem.checklow1M = "TRUE" # Check low 1MB memory region
mainMem.dmaStress = "FALSE" # Disable DMA stress testing
mainMem.lazyPageWalkers = "TRUE" # Enable lazy page walker optimizationroamingVM.enabled = "FALSE" # Enable roaming VM functionality
roamingVM.exitBehavior = "prompt" # Exit behavior when roaming (prompt/auto)# Memory Management for Linux Hosts
MemTrimRate = "0" # Disable memory trimming on Linux
sched.mem.pshare.enable = "FALSE" # Disable transparent page sharing
# Graphics Optimizations for Linux
mks.gl.allowBlacklistedDrivers = "TRUE" # Override Intel/Mesa driver blacklist
mks.enableX11Presentation = "FALSE" # Disable X11 presentation layer
mks.enableVulkanPresentation = "TRUE" # Use Vulkan presentation on Linux
# ALSA Audio Configuration for Linux
sound.fileName = "surround51:CARD=Live,DEV=0" # 5.1 surround sound via ALSA
sound.fileName = "front:CARD=Live,DEV=0" # Front stereo speakers only
sound.autodetect = "FALSE" # Force manual ALSA device selection# DirectX Renderer Optimizations
mks.enableDX11Renderer = "TRUE" # Use DirectX 11 for best Windows compatibility
mks.dx11.enableModernPresentation = "TRUE" # Enable modern DX11 presentation
mks.dx11.waitForQueryYieldMS = "1" # Minimize GPU query delays
# Windows GPU Selection for Multi-GPU Systems
mks.dx11.vendorID = "0x10DE" # Force NVIDIA GPU (0x10DE)
mks.dx11.vendorID = "0x1002" # Force AMD GPU (0x1002)
mks.dx11.vendorID = "0x8086" # Force Intel GPU (0x8086)# macOS Metal Renderer Support
mks.enableMetalRenderer = "TRUE" # Enable Metal rendering on macOS
mks.metal.allowUnsupportedDevices = "TRUE" # Allow older Metal devicesThis configuration optimizes a Windows 10/11 VM for gaming with maximum performance, low latency, and hardware acceleration.
# === HIGH-PERFORMANCE GAMING VM CONFIGURATION ===
# Use this for Windows gaming VMs that need maximum performance
# Basic VM Identity
displayName = "Gaming VM - Windows 11"
guestOS = "windows11-64"
memSize = "16384" # 16GB RAM for modern games
numvcpus = "8" # 8 CPU cores for demanding games
cpuid.coresPerSocket = "4" # 4 cores per socket for proper topology
# Interface and Display Optimization
gui.fullscreenAtPowerOn = "TRUE" # Launch directly in fullscreen
pref.autoFitFullScreen = "stretchGuestToHost" # Fill entire screen
pref.vmplayer.fullscreen.nobar = "TRUE" # Hide VMware toolbar completely
# Disable VMware Overhead Features
installerDefaults.autoSoftwareUpdateEnabled = "FALSE" # No automatic updates
pref.autoSoftwareUpdatePermission = "deny" # Block update prompts
tools.syncTime = "FALSE" # Disable time sync overhead
devices.hotplug = "FALSE" # Disable hotplug overhead
suspend.disabled = "TRUE" # Disable suspend feature
# Memory Performance Optimization
MemTrimRate = "0" # Disable memory trimming completely
MemAllowAutoScaleDown = "FALSE" # Prevent memory scaling
mainMem.backing = "swap" # Use swap-backed memory
sched.mem.pshare.enable = "FALSE" # Disable page sharing
prefvmx.useRecommendedLockedMemSize = "TRUE" # Lock memory for performance
prefvmx.minVmMemPct = "100" # Reserve full memory allocation
# CPU Performance and Priority
Priority.grabbed = "high" # High priority when VM focused
sched.cpu.latencySensitivity = "high" # Low-latency CPU scheduling
sched.cpu.affinity = "0-7" # Bind to first 8 CPU cores
# High-Performance Graphics
mks.enable3d = "TRUE" # Enable 3D acceleration
svga.vramSize = "536870912" # 512MB video memory
mks.forceDiscreteGPU = "TRUE" # Use dedicated GPU only
mks.enableDX11Renderer = "TRUE" # DirectX 11 for Windows games
mks.dx11.enableModernPresentation = "TRUE" # Modern DX11 presentation
# Gaming-Optimized Display Settings
mks.vsync = "TRUE" # Enable VSync for smooth gameplay
mks.maxRefreshRate = "120" # Support high refresh rate monitors
mks.gamingMouse.policy = "gaming" # Optimize mouse for gaming
mks.useDirectInput = "TRUE" # Direct input for lower latency
mks.disableTypematic = "TRUE" # Disable key repeat delays
# Enhanced Input Device Support
mouse.present = "FALSE" # Disable legacy PS/2 mouse
mouse.vusb.present = "TRUE" # Enable USB mouse with extra buttons
mouse.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Activate USB mouse functionality
keyboard.vusb.present = "TRUE" # Enable USB keyboard
keyboard.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Activate USB keyboard functionality
# High-Performance Storage
scsi0.virtualDev = "pvscsi" # VMware paravirtual SCSI (fastest)
scsi0:0.virtualSSD = "TRUE" # Present disk as SSD to guest
# High-Performance Networking
ethernet0.virtualDev = "vmxnet3" # VMware paravirtual network (fastest)
# Audio Optimization
sound.virtualDev = "hdaudio" # HD Audio for best quality
sound.autoDetect = "TRUE" # Auto-detect best audio device
# VM Stealth (hide virtualization from anti-cheat)
hypervisor.cpuid.v0 = "FALSE" # Hide hypervisor CPUID
smbios.reflectHost = "TRUE" # Reflect host hardware info
hw.model.reflectHost = "TRUE" # Reflect host model
# Advanced Hardware Features
vhv.enable = "TRUE" # Enable nested virtualization
vpmc.enable = "TRUE" # Performance counters
mce.enable = "TRUE" # Machine check exceptionsThis configuration creates a highly isolated VM suitable for malware analysis, untrusted software testing, or maximum security scenarios.
# === SECURITY-HARDENED ISOLATED VM CONFIGURATION ===
# Use this for malware analysis, untrusted software, or maximum isolation
# Basic VM Identity
displayName = "Isolated Security VM"
guestOS = "windows10-64"
memSize = "4096" # Limited memory allocation
numvcpus = "2" # Limited CPU cores
# Complete Tool Isolation
isolation.tools.copy.disable = "TRUE" # Block copy operations
isolation.tools.paste.disable = "TRUE" # Block paste operations
isolation.tools.dnd.disable = "TRUE" # Block drag & drop
isolation.tools.diskShrink.disable = "TRUE" # Block disk operations
isolation.tools.diskWiper.disable = "TRUE" # Block disk wiping
isolation.tools.hgfs.disable = "TRUE" # Block shared folders
isolation.tools.vixMessage.disable = "TRUE" # Block VIX API
# Device and Hardware Isolation
isolation.device.connectable.disable = "TRUE" # Block device connections
isolation.device.edit.disable = "TRUE" # Block device modifications
isolation.monitor.control.disable = "TRUE" # Block monitor control
# Disable Dangerous Features
Guest.Command.Enabled = "FALSE" # Block guest command execution
usb.generic.autoconnect = "FALSE" # Block USB auto-connection
usb.restrictions.defaultAllow = "FALSE" # Block USB devices by default
# Network Security
ethernet0.noPromisc = "TRUE" # Prevent promiscuous mode
ethernet0.noForgedSrcAddr = "TRUE" # Prevent MAC spoofing
ethernet0.connectionType = "hostonly" # Isolated network only
# Disable Unnecessary Services
vmci.available = "FALSE" # Disable VM communication interface
time.synchronize.tools.enable = "FALSE" # Disable time synchronization
tools.upgrade.policy = "manual" # Manual tools upgrades only
# Logging for Security Analysis
log.keep = "20" # Keep more log files
log.rotateSize = "10000000" # Larger log files
vmx.buildType = "debug" # Enable debug loggingThis configuration optimizes a Linux VM for software development with good performance and developer-friendly features.
# === LINUX DEVELOPMENT WORKSTATION CONFIGURATION ===
# Optimized for software development on Linux guests
# Basic VM Identity
displayName = "Linux Development VM"
guestOS = "ubuntu-64"
memSize = "8192" # 8GB for compilation and IDEs
numvcpus = "6" # 6 cores for parallel builds
cpuid.coresPerSocket = "3" # Balanced core topology
# Performance Optimization for Development
Priority.grabbed = "high" # High priority during active use
sched.cpu.latencySensitivity = "normal" # Balanced latency sensitivity
mainMem.backing = "swap" # Swap-backed memory
# Linux-Optimized Graphics
mks.enable3d = "TRUE" # 3D acceleration for modern DEs
svga.vramSize = "268435456" # 256MB video memory
mks.enableVulkanRenderer = "TRUE" # Vulkan for Linux graphics
mks.gl.allowBlacklistedDrivers = "TRUE" # Override Mesa/Intel blacklist
# Developer-Friendly Input
mouse.vusb.present = "TRUE" # USB mouse with extra buttons
mouse.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Enable advanced mouse features
keyboard.vusb.present = "TRUE" # USB keyboard support
keyboard.vusb.enable = "TRUE" # Enable keyboard functionality
# High-Performance Storage for Large Projects
scsi0.virtualDev = "pvscsi" # Paravirtual SCSI for speed
scsi0:0.virtualSSD = "TRUE" # Present as SSD for better I/O
# Network Optimization for Development
ethernet0.virtualDev = "vmxnet3" # Paravirtual network adapter
ethernet0.connectionType = "bridged" # Direct network access
# Shared Folders for Code Access
sharedFolder.maxNum = "5" # Multiple shared folders
sharedFolder0.present = "TRUE" # Enable shared folder
sharedFolder0.enabled = "TRUE" # Activate sharing
sharedFolder0.readAccess = "TRUE" # Read access
sharedFolder0.writeAccess = "TRUE" # Write access
sharedFolder0.hostPath = "/home/user/projects" # Host development directory
sharedFolder0.guestName = "projects" # Guest mount name
# Time Synchronization for Build Systems
time.synchronize.tools.enable = "TRUE" # Keep time in sync
time.synchronize.continue = "TRUE" # Continuous sync
time.synchronize.tools.startup = "TRUE" # Sync at startup
# Nested Virtualization for Docker/Containers
vhv.enable = "TRUE" # Enable nested virtualization
vvtd.enable = "TRUE" # Enable VT-d virtualization
vmx.allowNested = "TRUE" # Allow nested VMsThis configuration optimizes a macOS VM with proper hardware emulation and compatibility settings.
# === MACOS NON-APPLE CONFIGURATION ===
# For running macOS as a guest VM (check local laws regarding licensing)
# Basic VM Identity
displayName = "macOS Monterey VM"
guestOS = "darwin21-64" # macOS Monterey identifier
memSize = "8192" # 8GB minimum for macOS
numvcpus = "4" # 4 cores recommended
cpuid.coresPerSocket = "2" # Intel-like topology
# macOS-Specific Hardware Emulation
hw.model.reflectHost = "FALSE" # Use specific Mac model
hw.model = "MacBookPro16,1" # MacBook Pro 16" 2019 model
serialNumber = "C02XXXXXXXXX" # Valid Mac serial format
smbios.reflectHost = "FALSE" # Use Mac SMBIOS
board-id = "Mac-E1008331FDC96864" # Corresponding board ID
# Apple-Compatible Storage
sata0.present = "TRUE" # Enable SATA controller (Mac-like)
sata0:0.present = "TRUE" # Primary disk on SATA
sata0:0.fileName = "macOS.vmdk" # macOS disk file
sata0:0.deviceType = "sata-hardDisk" # SATA disk type
# Graphics for macOS
svga.present = "TRUE" # Enable graphics
svga.vramSize = "268435456" # 256MB video memory
mks.enable3d = "FALSE" # Disable 3D (compatibility)
svga.3d.enabled = "FALSE" # Disable SVGA 3D
# USB Configuration for macOS Compatibility
usb.present = "TRUE" # Enable USB
ehci.present = "TRUE" # Enhanced USB controller
usb.generic.allowHID = "TRUE" # Allow keyboard/mouse
# Audio for macOS
sound.present = "TRUE" # Enable audio
sound.virtualDev = "hdaudio" # HD Audio compatible with macOS
# Network for macOS
ethernet0.present = "TRUE" # Enable network
ethernet0.virtualDev = "e1000e" # Intel network (Mac compatible)
ethernet0.connectionType = "nat" # NAT networking
# macOS Boot Configuration
firmware = "efi" # EFI firmware (required for macOS)
bios.bootDelay = "5000" # Boot delay for selection# KVM Conflict Resolution
# Add to /etc/modprobe.d/vmware.conf:
# blacklist kvm
# blacklist kvm-amd
# blacklist kvm-intel
# Wayland Compatibility (GNOME/Ubuntu)
# Run these commands on host:
# gsettings set org.gnome.mutter.wayland xwayland-allow-grabs "true"
# gsettings set org.gnome.mutter.wayland xwayland-grab-access-rules "['vmplayer','vmware-vmx','mksSandbox']"
# Transparent Huge Pages Disable
# echo never > /sys/kernel/mm/transparent_hugepage/enabled
# Add to kernel parameters: transparent_hugepage=never
# VMware Module Loading
# modprobe -a vmw_vmci vmmon vmnet# VMware Preferences File Adjustments
# Edit: %APPDATA%\VMware\preferences.ini
pref.autoFitGuestToWindow = "FALSE" # Disable auto-fit for HiDPI
gui.applyHostDisplayScalingToGuest = "TRUE" # Apply DPI scaling to guest
pref.autoFitFullScreen = "stretchGuestToHost" # Stretch in fullscreen# Performance Monitoring Configuration
vmx.buildType = "stats" # Enable statistics collection
monitor_control.log_vmsample = "TRUE" # Enable VM performance sampling
log.keep = "50" # Keep more log files for analysis
log.rotateSize = "50000000" # Larger log files (50MB)- Virtual Hardware Version: Some parameters require specific virtualHW.version values
- VMware Product: Features may vary between Workstation, Player, and Fusion
- Host OS: Linux, Windows, and macOS hosts may have different parameter support
- Guest OS: Some optimizations are guest-specific
- High Impact: Graphics renderer changes, memory management settings
- Medium Impact: CPU scheduling, storage controller changes
- Low Impact: Interface preferences, logging settings
- Isolation Settings: Use for untrusted environments and malware analysis
- Stealth Settings: May be detected by advanced anti-VM techniques
- Network Isolation: Critical for containing potentially malicious VMs
- Always Backup: Create .vmx backups before making changes
- Test Incrementally: Change one category of settings at a time
- Document Changes: Keep notes of what parameters you've modified
- Performance Testing: Benchmark before and after changes
- Host Resource Monitoring: Watch host system performance impact
- VMware Knowledge Base: Official troubleshooting articles and parameter documentation
- Arch Linux VMware Wiki: Comprehensive Linux-specific configurations and troubleshooting
- VMware Community Forums: User-contributed configurations and solutions
- VI-Toolkit: Historical documentation of undocumented parameters
- VMware Workstation Documentation: Official product documentation
- Performance Tuning Guides: Hardware-specific optimization resources
This documentation represents a comprehensive collection of VMware VMX parameters from official sources, community knowledge, and practical experience. All undocumented parameters should be used with appropriate caution and testing in non-production environments. Parameter availability and behavior may vary between VMware product versions and host operating systems.
