You can install VMware Tools without the VMware AppDefense driver.

If you do not want to use the VMware AppDefense driver, you can either exclude or remove this driver during VMware Tools installation or upgrade process.

Procedure

  1. To exclude the VMware AppDefence driver during VMware Tools installation, you can run the command:

    setup64.exe /s /v"/qn ADDLOCAL=All REMOVE=AppDefense

    or

    setup64.exe /s /v"/qn ADDLOCAL=All REMOVE=AppDefense,<other unwanted feature list>

    Note: In the 'Custom Install' setup, the VMware AppDefense driver is not selected by default.
  2. VMware AppDefense is installed during installation using the 'Full Install' option. You can remove this driver manually using the Programs and Features option in your operating system.
    1. Select VMware Tools.
    2. Right click and select Change. VMware Tools installer is launched.
    3. Select Modify.
    4. Click Next.
    5. Navigate to AppDefense node in the tree.
    6. Right click and select Entire feature will be unavailable.
    7. Click Next.
    8. Click Change.
    9. Click Finish.

Results

The VMware AppDefense driver is not installed while installing VMware Tools.