: The download installs a version that does not expire, eliminating the 60-day evaluation countdown typical of trial software.
While the free license is perpetual and never expires, it includes several functional constraints: esxi free license key
Following the initial removal of the "Free vSphere Hypervisor" in early 2024, Broadcom reversed course with the release of . : The download installs a version that does
As of late 2023/2024, Broadcom (which now owns VMware) has restructured licensing. The free version is still available , but accessing it requires a Broadcom account. The process has changed slightly from the old MyVMware portal, but the free key is still alive. The free version is still available , but
| Feature | Free License | Paid License (vSphere Standard/ROBO) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Unlimited (Host Max) | Unlimited | | Physical CPU Sockets | Unlimited | Unlimited | | vCenter Server | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported | | APIs (Backup via Veeam, etc.) | ❌ Disabled | ✅ Enabled | | vMotion (Live Migration) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available | | High Availability (HA) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available | | Proactive Backup APIs | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Available |