Download of vSphere Hypervisor 6.5 (ESXi ISO) image and license keys

[Dany54000]

Hello

I am contacting you because I need to clarify a point regarding the download of the VMware vSphere Hypervisor 6.5 (ESXi ISO) image (Includes VMware Tools).

I am looking for the free version (free trial for 60 days) and I do not know if I have to download the "6.5.0 0a" or the "6.5.0 U1" version.

I mean I am currently using a "ESXi 6.0 U2" ISO image on my serveur and now I would like to uninstall this version in order to install the 6.5 one.

My questions are:

1. Can I download the "6.5.0 U1" for free ? If yes, where can I get the License key ? (a License Key is provided at the "6.5.0 0a" download page and not provided at "6.5.0 U1" download page). If it possible can someone give me the link to download the "6.5.0 U1" with the License Key mentionned ?

2. I read that the 6.5.0 version will not completely expire in 60 days but there are new limitations to the usage of it (as long as we do not have a requirement of VM's greater the 8vCPU (Socket or Core) then it will work as previously). Is that correct ? and will I have to enter another key after the 60 days (both for the 6.5.0 0a and 6.5.0 U1 versions) ?

In advance, I thank you very much for your help.

Damien

[batuhandemirdal]

Hi,

You can download it from myvmware.com. It gives a trial version, you can use it as a trial period and then you need to get a license.

[cyberpaul · Accepted solution]

Hi Damien,

ad 1) All ESXi editions are the same, it is really the license code that activates or deactivates some features. During the evaluation period, you are eligible to use all features (it is like using Enterprise+). If you need Enterprise, you need to purchase a corresponding license key. No need to reinstall.

ad 2) After 60 days, the evaluation license expires. Existing running VMs will keep on running, but you will no longer be able to power on any new VMs until you enter another key. You can obtain an ESXi Free license key here: http://www.vmware.com/go/get-free-esxi (registration required).

Regards, Pavel

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[Dany54000]

Thank you !

[Dany54000]

Javel

Thank you for your reply.

When you say "Existing running VMs will keep on running, but you will no longer be able to power on any new VMs until you enter another key. "

Can I use the same "VMware vSphere Hypervisor 6 License" again ? Or do I buy a license Key ?

Damien

[cyberpaul]

If you already have a license code, you can re-use it.

I suppose we are talking about a free license, right? You can even use it on multiple hosts simultaneously (up to 100 hosts with a single license code).

As for the Enterprise license, you should only use it for one host at any given time.

[Dany54000]

Thanks! Yes I am talking about the free-licence.

Please check message I sent you (with the attachment)

In this message I show you a "Licence Key" (the free-licence) which is provided at the first download (here it is a 6.5 0a version).

I am wondering if :

- I need to enter this key when installing the 6.5 version ?

- I can re-use this "Licence Key" after the 60 days period ?

How many times can I use this licence key ?

Ps: when trying to download the version 6.5 U1 version, there is no "Licence Key" displayed. Can I use the key provided for the 6.5 0a version ?

[cyberpaul]

I think it all looks good for you.

- You don't need the key when doing a clean install of the 6.5 version. You'll get another 60 days of evaluation.

- After the 60 days, you can re-use that key.

You can use the key as many times as you like. It will work for all 6.x versions.

[Dany54000]

Many thanks CyberPaul

Last question: when trying to download the version 6.5 U1 version, there is no "Licence Key" displayed. Can I use the key provided for the 6.5 0a version ?

Is there any difference between these versions ?

Once again thanks a lot.

Damien

[cyberpaul]

You're welcome. Thanks for marking my answers as helpful.

Yes, you can use the key.

Feature-wise I am not aware of any major changes between those versions. Newer version always includes bug-fixes etc. so it is usually a good idea to install the newest version available.

[Dany54000]

Many many many thanks