VMware Nested Virtualization: Running macOS VMware Fusion Within VMware ESXi?

For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the question of whether VMware nested virtualization allows the use of macOS VMware Fusion within a VMware ESXi environment often arises. This article explores the technical and legal barriers to achieving this setup, providing insights and advice for those considering such a configuration.

Understanding Nested Virtualization

Nested virtualization is a powerful feature that enables a virtual machine (VM) to run another virtual machine within itself. This technology is increasingly popular among advanced users who need multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform, such as running Windows and Linux within a single VM on a macOS host.

VMware ESXi and Nested Virtualization

VMware ESXi, the leading hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) platform, supports nested virtualization to a certain extent. It allows the host ESXi VM to run another VM, which in turn can run yet another VM, and so on. This capability opens up a wide range of possibilities for users managing complex cloud and on-premises infrastructure.

The Case for Running macOS VMware Fusion in VMware ESXi

Running macOS VMware Fusion within an ESXi environment might seem appealing for users who already manage their environments with ESXi. However, there are several factors to consider:

Technical Feasibility

Technically, there is no inherent reason why nested virtualization shouldn't allow you to run macOS VMware Fusion within VMware ESXi. The necessary features are present, and the hardware (such as Apple's MacPro) typically meets the requirements. However, the process can be intricate and may require significant expertise.

Legal and Licensing Considerations

The main hurdle to running macOS VMware Fusion within VMware ESXi lies in the legal and licensing aspects. VMware's software licensing terms explicitly state that nested virtualization is only allowed for certain scenarios. In particular, VMware Fusion is legally restricted to running on Apple hardware.

Note: While it is technically feasible to run macOS VMware Fusion in an ESXi environment, VMware is known to disable this feature on non-Apple hardware. This is done to maintain legal compliance.

Alternatives and Workarounds

For users who wish to achieve a similar setup, there are a few alternatives and workarounds:

Using a Compatible Host

If you own an Apple MacPro or a similar compatible machine, you can deploy both ESXi and VMware Fusion on the same hardware. This approach simplifies the management of multiple operating systems and avoids potential legal issues.

Virtualization Tools that Work Off-Apple Hardware

Tools such as VirtualBox or Parallels, which also support nested virtualization, can be run on non-Apple hardware. These tools may be more flexible regarding license compliance, but they are not as widely adopted as VMware solutions.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure offer multiple operating system options and support nested virtualization. This approach provides a scalable and legal solution for managing diverse environments, albeit at a cost.

Conclusion

While nested virtualization theoretically permits the use of macOS VMware Fusion within a VMware ESXi environment, the legal and practical barriers can make this setup challenging. Users should carefully consider the technical and legal implications before attempting such a configuration. For those seeking more flexibility, exploring alternative virtualization tools or leveraging cloud services may be more suitable.

Stay informed about the latest developments in virtualization technology, as the landscape is constantly evolving. Consider sharing your experiences and insights with the community to help advance the understanding of virtualization practices effectively.