VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.5 (Build 20904516) , transferring large files securely and for free is best achieved through built-in features like Shared Folders
Important Legal Note: “Free” here refers to using VMware’s native capabilities without additional licensing cost for transfer utilities, or using the trial period for a single critical migration. For permanent commercial use, purchase a license. However, VMware Workstation Player (free for personal use) cannot host the advanced virtual networks needed for this guide—so we focus on the Pro trial or legitimate free alternatives like VMware Workstation Player + a separate file server VM. VMware Workstation Pro 16
. This means it no longer receives official security patches or technical support. Modern Compatibility Right-click each VM → Settings → Network Adapter
Shared Folders: This is the most efficient method for large files. It maps a specific folder on your host machine directly into the VM. To enable it: Go to VM > Settings > Options. Select Shared Folders and set it to Always enabled. Click Add to browse and select a host folder. USB drives: Slow (100MB/s)
If you're interested in trying out VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.5 Build 20904516, you can download it from the official VMware website. The software is available for Windows and Linux platforms.
How to Transfer Large Files Securely with VMware Workstation Pro
VMnet2 (Host-only).