This is the biggest downside. Unlike a portable browser, VMware requires a kernel-level driver to run. This means you cannot simply walk up to a locked-down library PC or a school computer, plug in your USB drive, and launch a VM.
VMware ThinApp is an enterprise tool designed to "package" applications into single portable .exe files. While some enthusiasts have used this to attempt porting VMware Player, it is complex and often fails due to the driver requirements mentioned above. Best Portable Alternatives portable vmware player
While the software itself isn't portable, the you create certainly are. Here are the most effective ways to carry your VMware environment with you. 1. The "Portable VM" Strategy (External Storage) This is the biggest downside