Setting up multiple monitors in VMware Workstation on Linux can be challenging. This article outlines a potential solution for display issues encountered when using VMware Workstation with multiple monitors on a Linux host. This guide focuses on troubleshooting steps taken to resolve a specific multi-monitor configuration problem.
VMware Workstation, a powerful virtualization software, allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. However, configuring multiple monitors within a virtual machine, especially on a Linux host, can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. This article describes a practical approach to resolving one such issue.
The problem involved a Linux Mint 20.3 system with an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor, a Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, and NVIDIA driver version 510.54. Three Samsung 43″ 4k TVs were connected to the graphics card’s HDMI ports. The guest operating system was Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, running on VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.3. Initially, the setup appeared functional, but subsequently, the multi-monitor configuration became unstable. The Windows guest would either display on a single monitor or incorrectly detect the number of available displays. Various troubleshooting steps, including driver updates and VMware Tools reinstallation, proved unsuccessful.
The solution involved physically rearranging the monitor connections to match the default display order detected by the Linux host. This required powering off the machine, reconnecting the monitors in a specific sequence determined through trial and error, and then rebooting the system. The successful configuration involved starting the Windows guest in full-screen mode on the center monitor, then using the cycle button to extend the display across the center and right monitors, leaving the left monitor for the Linux host.
While this workaround resolved the issue in this specific instance, it highlights the complexity of multi-monitor configurations in VMware Workstation on Linux. The interaction between the host operating system’s graphics drivers, the VMware software, and the guest operating system can be intricate, leading to unpredictable results.
This solution underscores the importance of understanding the underlying display configuration of the Linux host when dealing with multi-monitor setups in VMware Workstation. It suggests that adhering to the default monitor order recognized by the host operating system can be crucial for achieving a stable and functional multi-monitor configuration within the virtual machine. VMware’s multi-monitor support on Linux, while functional, can be sensitive to variations in hardware and driver configurations.
While this method worked in this specific scenario, it’s not a guaranteed solution for all multi-monitor issues in VMware Workstation on Linux. Further investigation and troubleshooting might be necessary depending on the specific hardware and software configuration. Future improvements in VMware Workstation’s multi-monitor handling on Linux could simplify this process and enhance user experience.
