If your ESXi license has expired or is invalid, you must apply a new key to restore functionality. Note that if the license for ESXi expires, you may be unable to start , requiring you to access the host directly. Step-by-Step License Application
Remember that free keys cannot be added to a vCenter server. If you are using vCenter, you must use a paid subscription license.
: This often occurs if the host is in "Evaluation Mode." Ensure you have permanently assigned the key through the vSphere Client by navigating to Host > Manage > Licensing > Assign License .
When the 60-day ESXi evaluation period expires, the system fixes its state. It requires a hardcoded, valid serial number to unlock write privileges to the vCenter inventory.
Implement monitoring alerts for license expiration. Set notifications at least 30 days before any evaluation period ends and at least 60 days before subscription renewals. The most expensive license "fix" is the one that comes after unexpected expiration. vmware esxi license key fixed
This is the standard method for managing a single ESXi host.
Provide a list of that work with the ESXi free edition. License key for the free edition of VMware ESXi 8.0U3e
: Log in directly to the ESXi web interface by navigating to https://[ESXi-IP-Address] in your browser.
If you followed the methods above but the license key is still rejected, use this checklist to resolve the underlying bug: If your ESXi license has expired or is
Navigate to the tab and click the Add New Licenses icon (the green plus sign).
Use command line to show and set license
If your ESXi license key is not working, or you need to update it, you can fix it directly through the VMware Host Client.
$licenseData = New-Object VMware.VimAutomation.License.Types.LicenseData $licenseKeyEntry = New-Object Vmware.VimAutomation.License.Types.LicenseKeyEntry $licenseKeyEntry.TypeId = "vmware-vsphere" $licenseKeyEntry.LicenseKey = "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" $licenseData.LicenseKeys += $licenseKeyEntry If you are using vCenter, you must use
: Licensing and binaries are now found under the "Free Downloads" section of the Broadcom Support Portal. Quick Feature Review
ESXi hosts created using Auto-Deploy display license-related error messages when performing tasks such as VM power-on or migrations. The error reads "License key has expired. Please install a valid license to use this product," yet the licenses applied to the hosts are valid. vCenter UI and the ESXi host client show a mismatch between the license assigned to the host.
For administrators and enthusiasts, this was the "vmware esxi license key fixed" solution they had been waiting for—a return to a permanent, non-expiring license key for the hypervisor.
Here’s a useful, practical write-up on —what they are, how they differ from subscription licenses, and how to apply them.
Upgrade the license key capacity or split the workload across compliant hosts.
It often appears when referencing legacy perpetual licenses that have been locked or frozen in place during a transition to Broadcom’s subscription models. Why You See the "Fixed" Status