Get desktop running on FreeBSD on VMware workstation:

*This is going to install the lxqt desktop as an example. Other Desktops will be similar.
*I use lxqt since its a light desktop and hardware acceleration is usually not necessary for decent performance as well still looks modern with simple interface.
*I use Firefox web browser since the user agent will say FreeBSD as the OS (rather then Linux).
As well say the correct ISA (rather then default to x86_64 which your computer's CPU is likely using but may not be using).

1. After just a fresh install, you will need to make a standard user with sudo access.

2. Install needed software by:
sudo pkg install lxqt sddm xorg xf86-video-vmware open-vm-tools firefox

3. Also remember to enable these services:
sudo sysrc sddm_enable="YES"
sudo sysrc dbus_enable="YES"
sudo sysrc sddm_lang="en_US"
echo "exec dbus-launch --exit-with-x11 ck-launch-session startlxqt" > ~/.xinitrc

4. Reboot and you should now have a functional GUI login!

Sources:
FreeBSD Forums: freebsd-13-virtual-machine-x-wont-start
FreeBSD Wiki: SCFB
FreeBSD Wiki: LXQt
FreeBSD Handbook Desktop
FreeBSD Handbook x11

Date: January 30th 2024 ~ February 9th 2024

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