copy-pastevmware-workstationvmware-tools

How to enable copy/paste between an VMware workstation and a host

I've an ESXi server that hosts multiples VM. I'm using a CentOS 7 VM (not specific to this OS) and I'd like to copy/paste text between my host and the VM.

VMTools are installed and running properly on the VM but that functionality isn't working.

In the VMWare workstation application, there's only a limited nb of options available:

enter image description here

On the VM server side, the tools are installed and running: enter image description here

Solution

  • After some more time searching on this, I got it to work:

    Procedure

    1. Log into a vCenter Server system using the vSphere Client and select the virtual machine (VM must be turned off for the changes to be taken into account).
    2. On the Summary tab, click Edit Settings.
    3. Select Options > Advanced > General and click Configuration Parameters.
    4. Click Add Row and type the following values in the Name and Value columns.
    5. Start the VM
        isolation.tools.copy.disable     false
    isolation.tools.paste.disable    false

    enter image description here

    I find it surprising that such basic and common feature doesn't have some quick and easy access to toggle it ON/OFF.

    VMWare link.