How to Install Debian 12 (Bookworm) on VMware Workstation Pro

In this guide, we will walk through the installation of Debian 12 (Bookworm) using the VMware Workstation Pro hypervisor. Debian is a free, open-source operating system known for its stability and slow update cycle, making it an excellent choice for servers and system administrators.

Step 1: Download the Debian ISO

First, navigate to the official website at debian.org. Locate the large download button on the homepage to download the installation ISO file. The file size is approximately 600 MB.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Open VMware Workstation Pro. If you do not have it, note that Broadcom has made the Pro version free for personal use.

1. VM Wizard Configuration

Click on New Virtual Machine and select the Typical configuration. Browse and select the Debian 12 ISO file you just downloaded; VMware should automatically detect it as "Debian 12 64-bit".

2. Name and Storage

Name your virtual machine (e.g., "Debian 12") and select a storage location. For the disk size, allocate 20 GB and select "Store virtual disk as a single file" to keep the file management simple.

3. Hardware Customization

Click Customize Hardware to adjust the settings:

Memory: 2 GB is sufficient for a headless server.
Processors: Assign 2 processor cores.
Network: Use NAT mode. This creates a virtual switch where the VM receives its own IP in a private subnet (e.g., 10.0.0.x).

Once configured, click Finish and power on the virtual machine.

Step 3: Installation Process

When the VM boots, select Install (the text-based installer) from the menu.

1. Language and Location

Select your language (English), location (e.g., Europe > Sweden), and keyboard layout. The system will load initial components and configure the network via IPv6/IPv4 automatically.

2. Hostname and User Setup

Hostname: Enter a name like debian12.
Domain Name: Leave blank if you don't have one.
Root Password: Set a strong password for the root account.
New User: Create a standard user account (e.g., "tss") and set a password for it.

3. Partitioning

Select Guided - use entire disk. Choose the virtual disk (VMware Virtual S) and select All files in one partition (recommended for new users).

Select "Finish partitioning and write changes to disk" and confirm by selecting Yes. The installation of the base system will now begin.

Step 4: Package Manager and Software Selection

After the base install, you will be prompted to configure the package manager.

1. Repository Mirror

When asked to scan extra installation media, select No. Select a mirror country close to you (e.g., Sweden) and choose a default mirror (like deb.debian.org). Leave the HTTP proxy blank unless required.

2. Software Selection

You can choose to participate in the "popularity contest" (statistics tracking) or not.

In the software selection screen, use the spacebar to select/deselect items. For a server environment, it is recommended to:

Uncheck "Debian desktop environment" (GNOME) to keep the install lightweight.
Check "SSH server" to allow remote connections.
Check "Standard system utilities".

3. Boot Loader

When asked to install the GRUB boot loader, select Yes and choose the primary device /dev/sda.

Step 5: First Boot and Verification

Once the installation is complete, the system will reboot. Log in using the root account.

1. Check Version and Update

Verify the installed version using the release command:

lsb_release -a

Update the package repositories to ensure the system is current:

apt update && apt upgrade

2. Check IP Address

To verify network connectivity, check your IP address. It should be in the NAT range configured earlier (e.g., 10.0.0.x).

ip a

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