Connect-VIServer -Server <vCenter_IP> -User <username> -Password <password> $licenseDataManager = Get-LicenseDataManager
Navigate back to Manage > Licensing . Click on the active license key and select Remove license . A warning will appear; click OK to confirm.
If the graphical user interface (GUI) freezes, or if you are automating a mass deployment, you can fix and apply the ESXi license key using the Command Line Interface (CLI). Step 1: Enable SSH on the Host
You can apply the license key via the ESXi command line (SSH). Enable SSH on your host via the actions menu. Connect to the host using an SSH client (like PuTTY). Execute the following command: vmware esxi license key fixed
Verify the actual license on each ESXi host by enabling SSH, logging into the host as root, and running the command vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show . Near the top of the output, look for the line starting with "License key" to see what's actually installed. Then assign a bulk default license to the datacenter as described in the vSphere Auto-Deploy documentation. A reboot of the impacted hosts may be necessary.
Navigate to the tab and click the Add New Licenses icon (the green plus sign).
If SSH is disabled, enable it via the Host Client ( > Services > Enable Secure Shell ) or directly via the server's physical Direct Console User Interface (DCUI). Step 2: Connect and Query Current License If the graphical user interface (GUI) freezes, or
The vSphere Client provides the most user-friendly interface for license management. To assign a license key to an ESXi host:
For those who need a "fixed" way to run ESXi for home labs without a corporate budget, the most common legal alternative to the discontinued free version is the VMUG Advantage
License: VMware ESXi 8 Enterprise Plus Expires: Never Features: vMotion, HA, DRS, VADP, 256 vCPUs per VM Connect to the host using an SSH client (like PuTTY)
If the vCenter GUI fails to apply the fix, force the host to rebuild its local licensing files.
: Before buying new physical servers, calculate the total core count to accurately project your VMware subscription costs.