Overview of the Update Issue
Many users of VMware Workstation have encountered a significant disruption in the software’s auto-update feature. A recent change by Broadcom, which involved redirecting the download URL to a generic support page, has led to certificate validation errors, thus disabling the automatic update process.
Manual Update Necessity
The software traditionally checks for updates on startup or when manually triggered via Help > Software Updates. Post-redirection, this URL now leads to unexpected certificate errors and a non-functional update system, prompting an error message advising to check internet settings or contact a system administrator. Users now need to:
- Visit Broadcom’s support page
- Manually download the appropriate software version
- Proceed with the installation independently
Impact on Users
The need for manual updates not only disrupts workflow but also adds layers of frustration due to the absence of prior communication about these changes. The inability to use the built-in update feature could potentially result in missing critical updates including bug fixes and security patches.
Source: BleepingComputer
Current Status and Corporate Response
As of VMware Workstation version 17.6.3, the issue remains unresolved. Broadcom has yet to release a public statement or suggest a workaround. Inquiries made by BleepingComputer for further insights have not been addressed at this time.
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Last Updated: March 31, 2025
