Unlike previous versions where you had to register to receive a unique text string, this version comes with a pre-applied license key .

For years, VMware offered a free version of the ESXi hypervisor (often called the "Free Edition" or "Standalone"). It had limited features (no vCenter, no backup API, limited RAM support).

. Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, all license management, including free versions and enterprise upgrades, has moved to this centralized platform. Broadcom support portal Obtaining a License Key Free Version : You can download VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi 8) by logging into the Broadcom Support Portal

Historically, administrators could purchase a "vSphere Standard" or "vSphere Enterprise Plus" license key, pay a one-time fee, and use that version indefinitely (often with an expiring support contract).