VMware Workstation auto-updates broken after Broadcom URL redirect

VMware Workstation users report that the software's automatic update functionality is broken after Broadcom redirected the download URL to its generic support page, triggering certificate errors.

The software contains a feature that checks for new updates on startup (if configured) and can be manually triggered by clicking Help > Software Updates. This will cause the program to connect to the software update server at https://softwareupdate.broadcom.com/cds to check for and download software updates.

However, this URL now redirects to Broadcom's generic support page, https://support.broadcom.com/, causing the application to issue certificate validation errors and rendering its built-in update mechanism unusable.

"A certificate error occurred while connecting to the update server. Check your Internet settings or contact your system administrator," reads the VMware Workstation error.

Users are now forced to log in and manually check Broadcom's website for updates, download the correct version, and install it themselves, making it frustrating for customers who expect a seamless experience.

"To update your VMware Workstation Pro, you'll need to manually download the latest installer from the Broadcom support portal. It's worth noting that this change has caused frustration among users, as it was implemented without prior notice," reads a post to the Broadcom community forums.

While VMware Workstation continues to function, this broken update system may cause users to miss important bug fixes or security patches, especially when it is not apparent that the automatic update feature is broken until you try to use it.

Broadcom has not yet issued a public statement or workaround for the issue, and BleepingComputer has confirmed it is still broken in VMware Workstation 17.6.3, the latest software version.

BleepingComputer contacted Broadcom with questions about the change but has not received a response.