How To Get Zune on Linux

For Linux users who own Microsoft Zune MP3 players, compatibility has always been a problem. With a little work however, it is possible for you to sync your Zune to your computer, even if you happen to be using the Linux operating system. What you’ll need to do is use VMware, a program that allows you to run another operating system within your standard operating system. Don’t worry, this isn’t complicated at all, but you may need to spend some money as VMware is not a free program. You will need a USB 1.1 hub as well, but the good news is that they aren’t expensive.

1. Download and install VMware software. It’s a virtual machine program that emulates a PC. This means you can use it to install and run Microsoft Windows within VMware on a machine that uses Linux. You can evaluate VMware free for 30 days: https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/login.php?eval=workstation-l
2. Install Windows XP in the VMware program. After installing VMware, you will need to set up your virtual machine and install Windows on it. The VMware wizard will give you easy-to-follow directions to walk you through the process.
3. Unload your USB 2.0 driver or purchase a USB 1.1 hub. In order to sync for Zune, you will have to be using a USB 1.1 port. If your USB ports are all 2.0, you will have to get a USB 1.1 hub. If you are computer savvy, you can unload the USB 2.0 driver, which will make your ports USB 1.1.
4. Run Windows Media Player in VMware. You may need to install Windows Media Player if it isn’t installed already. Once it’s installed, simply run it as usual, only within VMware.
5. Plug your Zune into your USB 1.1 port and sync as normal. Running VMware, you can now sync your Microsoft Zune MP3 player to your Linux operated computer.

As you can see, this is not a perfect fix, and having to use USB 1.1 can be frustrating as it goes so slow. It does, however, get the job done and allows you to sync your Zune, or iPod for that matter, to your computer if you’re using Linux. VMware may, hopefully, update their software so that you can use USB 2.0. This will not only remove one of the steps in the process, but will make the synching process go a lot faster as well.