Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Deploying CentOS 8 on VMware Workstation

Deployment Options

Vmware Workstation

VirtualBox

Docker

Cloud hosts: Huawei Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud

Virtual machine download: https://www.vmware.com/cn/products/workstation-pro/workstation-pro-evaluation.html

CentOS official site: https://www.centos.org/

System image: https://mirrors.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/centos/8/isos/x86_64/CentOS-8.2.2004-x86_64-dvd1.iso

Preparation

Install VMware Workstation 15

Download the CentOS 8 ISO image

Installing the System

Start VMware Workstation and create a new virtual machine.

Select a custom configuration for the VM.

Choose the VMware version (default is fine).

Select the installation ISO image (choose the last option to avoid the simplified installer).

Choose the OS type: Linux → CentOS 7 64‑bit (CentOS 8 is similar).

Define VM name and storage location.

Set CPU (default), memory (recommended 2 GB), and network (NAT).

Select NAT network configuration.

Attach the ISO to the CD/DVD drive.

Finish VM creation and power on; choose "Install CentOS 8".

Select English as the installation language.

Configure network (enable, obtain IP, set hostname) and apply.

Choose "Server with GUI" installation mode, accept default partitioning, and start installation.

Set the root password when prompted.

After 10–20 minutes the installation completes; reboot the system.

Accept the license agreement, then proceed to the login screen.

Log in as the default "zeyang" user or choose "Not listed" to log in as root.

Root login is recommended for subsequent configuration practice.

The virtual machine installation and deployment are now complete.