# How to run physically installed Windows inside VMware from a Linux host

***First note you'll need to either be an administrator on your machine (root in case of Linux).***

Open VMWare as an administrator, for example: `$ sudo vmware`

Now create a new VM (**file -> New virtual machine)** and follow the instructions below:

Setup wizard:

* Virtual machine configuration ? Custom (advanced)
    
* Hardware compatibility ? Next (keep defaults)
    
* Install operating system ? I will install the OS later
    
* Guest operating system ? Windows 10 x64 (or whatever is the Windows version you had installed)
    
* Virtual machine name and directory ? Whatever you want (Just keep the defaults)
    
* Firmware type ? Choose the config you had when installing Windows (If you don't know, just keep the defaults)
    
* Processors ? Choose whatever config you have, but take into account the kind of workload you'll put on the VM
    
* Memory ? Same advice as for the processor, but remember Windows needs at least 4Gigs to function properly
    
* Network ? If you don't have any special requirement or use, I recommend keeping the defaults here too
    
* I/O Controller types ? Keep the defaults unless you really know what you're doing (There may be times you'll need to change this, but generally don't do it)
    
* Virtual disk type ? Keep the defaults
    
* Disk ? Use a physical disk (here is the real difference)
    
* Device ? Keep whatever is automatically selected (this should be OK as long as you only have one disk inside your computer)
    
* Disk file ? Do whatever suits you
    
* Hit finish and start the machine
    
* After the VM has fully started, press **VM -> Install VMWare tools**
    
* Then go inside the VM
    
    * open the file explorer
        
    * go to "This PC"
        
    * Double-click on the CD drive where the VM tools has mounted
        
    * For this installation, it is Windows, just keep pressing Next, Next until it's done !
        

Here is it ! You have it going.

**Screenshot coming soon ;)**

Run a virtual machine with the PhysicalDrive with VirtualBox:

1. Create a .vmdk file pointing to the physical drive ([https://i12bretro.github.io/tutorials/0365.html](https://i12bretro.github.io/tutorials/0365.html))
    
    ```powershell
    # list physical disks
    Get-PhysicalDisk
    
    # cd to the virtualbox installation directory
    cd "$ENV:ProgramFiles\Oracle\VirtualBox"
    # create a vmdk disk pointing to the target physical disk
    # usage
    # .\VBoxManage.exe internalcommands createrawvmdk -filename "<%fullpathto.vmdk%>" -rawdisk \\.\PhysicalDrive<%disknumber%>
    .\VBoxManage.exe internalcommands createrawvmdk -filename "D:\VMs\SSD.vmdk" -rawdisk \\.\PhysicalDrive2
    # launch virtualbox manager
    .\VirtualBox.exe
    ```
    
2. Ensure the .vmdk file is added as a disk inside VirtualBox
    
3. Mount the disk to the virtual machine and voilà