For over a decade, users could purchase an ESXi license key and "fix" their environment permanently on that version. As of February 2024, Broadcom discontinued the sale of perpetual licenses
Host → Manage → Licensing → “Never expires” vmware esxi license key fixed
: Broadcom initially ended the Free vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) program. Reinstated (April 2025) For over a decade, users could purchase an
Run touch /etc/vmware/license.cfg to update the file timestamp. | Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Key
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Key rejected (invalid format) | Check for typos, spaces, or expired key. | | “License already assigned to another host” | Deactivate on old host or contact VMware support. | | After key assignment, features still missing | Reboot host or reassign license via vCenter. | | Evaluation period reappears | You might have a trial license applied in vCenter – override it at host level. |