Evaluate moving to vSphere Foundation (VVF) . This subscription bundle includes all the core features most SMEs need—vCenter, vSAN, basic monitoring—at a predictable per-core annual cost.
Obtaining and applying a VMware ESXi 8 license key has changed recently due to Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. Most notably, the free version of ESXi 8 was briefly discontinued but has since been made available again through the Broadcom Support Portal.
Click to validate the key, then click Assign license to confirm. Method 2: Using the vSphere Client (vCenter Server)
When you first download and install VMware ESXi 8.0, it operates in . Duration: 60 days from the exact time of installation.
Your licensing options in 2026 have been consolidated into four main tiers:
Source: Altaro Blog
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For lab administrators, hobbyists, and IT professionals seeking educational licenses, a VMUG Advantage Evaluation Experience subscription provides low-cost, 365-day evaluation keys for ESXi 8, vCenter Server, and NSX for non-production environments.