While not an infinite solution, you can sometimes reset the evaluation period by reinstalling ESXi or, in earlier versions, manipulating the license file. However, this is not suitable for a stable lab. How to Apply a License Key in ESXi
The VMware User Group (VMUG) Advantage program offers an annual subscription called . For a reasonable yearly fee, members receive legitimate, 365-day evaluation licenses for nearly all major VMware products. Included Software: ESXi, vCenter Server, vSAN, and NSX.
Every clean installation of VMware ESXi automatically begins with a 60-day evaluation period. This mode unlocks every enterprise feature, including vSphere vMotion, High Availability, and Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS). esxi license key github
When you install ESXi, you can start a 60-day trial that includes all features, including vCenter capability, which is perfect for testing.
| License Type | Where to Get It | Cost | vCenter? | Clustering? | Best For | |--------------|----------------|------|----------|-------------|-----------| | Free ESXi Hypervisor | VMware Customer Connect | $0 | No | No | Homelab, single server | | VMUG Advantage | VMUG Store | $200/year | Yes | Yes (limited) | Advanced homelab, learning | | vSphere Standard | VMware reseller | ~$1,200 per CPU | Yes | Basic HA | SMB production | | vSphere Enterprise Plus | VMware reseller | ~$4,000+ per CPU | Yes | Full DRS, vMotion | Enterprise | While not an infinite solution, you can sometimes
The cost of an ESXi license key varies depending on the edition and the number of CPUs you want to license. Here are the prices for the different ESXi editions:
: GitHub actively removes repositories violating DMCA copyright laws, and hosting or using these repositories can put your accounts at risk. 🔒 Security Risks: Beyond the Key For a reasonable yearly fee, members receive legitimate,
: Due to the removal of the free tier, many users are migrating to platforms like of ESXi, or are you trying to find an alternative hypervisor now that the free version is gone? Free ESXi: Restrictions and Limitations - NAKIVO
