vmexplorer

VMware Workstation Gen 9: FAQs

Posted on January 29, 2026 Updated on July 4, 2026

I complied a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) around my Gen 9 Workstation build. I’ll be updating it from time to time but do feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.

Last Update: 07/05/2026

General FAQs

Why Generation 9? Starting with the Gen 7 build, the Gen Number aligns to the version of vSphere it was designed for. So, Gen 9 = VCF 9. It also helps my readers to track the Generations that interests them the most.

Why are you running Workstation vs. dedicated ESX servers? I’m pivoting my home lab strategy. I’ve moved from a complex multi-server setup to a streamlined, single-host configuration using VMware Workstation. Managing multiple hosts, though it gives real world experience, wasn’t meeting my needs when it came to quick system recovery or testing different software versions. With Workstation, I can run/deploy multiple types of home labs and do simple backup/recovery, plus Workstation’s snapshot manager allow me to roll back labs quite quickly. I find Workstation more adaptable, and making my lab time about learning rather than maintenance.

What are your goals with Gen 9? To develop and build a platform that is able to run the stack of VCF 9 product for Home Lab use. See Gen 9 Part 1 for more information on goals.

Where can I find your Gen 9 Workstation Build series? All of my most popular content, including the Gen 9 Workstation builds can be found under Best of VMX.

What version of Workstation are you using? Currently, VMware Workstation 26H1, this may change over time see my Home Lab BOM for more details.

How performant is running VCF 9 on Workstation? In my testing I’ve had adequate success with a simple VCF install. Clicks through out the various applications didn’t seem to lag. After I finished writing Gen 9 blog I upgraded my mobo and RAM to some new specifications my Home Lab BOM for more details.

What core services are needed to support this VCF Deployment? Core Services are supplied via Windows Server. They include AD, DNS, NTP, RAS, and DHCP. DNS, NTP, and RAS being the most important.

BOM FAQs

Where can I find your Bill of Materials (BOM)? See my Home Lab BOM page.

What topics does the BOM1 VCF 9.0 Series cover? The BOM1 series provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for deploying VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0.1 in a nested lab environment. The series covers the full lifecycle, including initial planning and requirements (Part 1), the use of templates (Part 2), and setting up essential core network services (Part 3).  Subsequent steps detail the deployment of ESX hosts (Part 4) and configuring the VCF installer with necessary VLAN segmentation (Part 5). To optimize the setup, the guide covers creating an offline repository for VCF components (Part 6), followed by the deployment of VCF 9.0.1 (Part 7).

Finally, the series outlines critical “day-two” operations, such as licensing the environment (Part 8) and managing the proper shutdown and startup procedures for the nested infrastructure (Part 9). This approach creates a fully functional, reproducible lab for testing the latest VMware technologies. For the full series, visit VMExplorer.

What can I run on BOM1 VCF 9.0? I have successfully deployed a simple VCF deployment, but I don’t recommend running VCF Automation on this BOM.

What VCF 9 products are running in BOM1 VCF 9.0? Initial components include: VCSA, VCF Operations, VCF Collector, NSX Manager, Fleet Manager, and SDDC Manager all running on the 3 x Nested ESX Hosts.

What are your plans for BOM2? No plans for a BOM2 at this time, I simply did a mobo swap to update to my Workstation deployment.

Are you running both mobo configurations? No I’m only running the current mobo listed on my Home Lab BOM page.

Do I really need this much hardware? No you don’t. The parts listed on my BOM is just how I did it. I used some parts I had on hand and some I bought used. My recommendation is use what you have and upgrade when you need to.

What should I do to help with performance? Invest in highspeed disk, CPU cores, and RAM. I highly recommend lots of properly deployed NVMe disks for your nested ESX hosts. Make sure you adjust performance in Windows 11.

Note: I highly recommend getting a system with DDR5 RAM and the fastest RAM you can find. When pushing Workstation this far RAM speed is a big factor. DD4 2933Mhz, works but lags under heavy loads.

What do I need for multiple NVMe Drives? If you plan to use multiple NVMe drives into a single PCIe slot you’ll need a motherboard that supports bifurcation OR you’ll need an PCIe NVMe adapter that will support it. Not all NVMe adapters are the same, so do your research before buying.