ESXi7 free license

[blablable]

Is it possible to obtain an ESXi 7 free license? I can download it and use for 60 days, but it seems there's no way to get a free license to use after that.

Am I correct?
Thank you.

[a_p_]

I'd guess that it's only a matter of time until the free Hypervisor download will be available, so you may go ahead and run ESXi 7.0 in evaluation mode for now, and assign a free license once it becomes available, which I assume will not take more than 60 days (the evaluation period).

André

[blablable]

That's a bit risky if you have production systems there, isn't it.

Anyone knows what happens if we don't enter a valid license? Unable to boot VMs only?

[IRIX201110141]

You run production VMs on the free vSphere Hypervisor?  Whats the need to upgrade to 7.0 which is available since 3 days for now?

Regards,
Joerg

[a_p_]

That's a bit risky if you have production systems there, isn't it.

I actually agree with IRIX201110141​ that there's a higher risk in upgrading at that point in time, than on running the environment in evaluation mode for some time.

Although I cannot guarantee that a free Hypervisor license will be available within 60 days, I'm pretty sure though that there will be one. If not, you can still opt to an Essentials Kit.

If it's still too risky for you, then you may stay with the current version for now.

André

[daphnissov]

Another vote for Joerg. To upgrade to 7.0 right now in production is downright dumb and incredibly risky.

[pbraren]

Was thinking something similar when replying on Twitter today, a similar inquiry:

Paul Braren on Twitter: "True. My thinking was that the trial request would get you access to the IS...

Disclosure: I just noticed the VMware "VM" logo still appears next to my name here on the forums, but my fun run as a VMware employee ended when I changed jobs back in April of 2019. I'll need to contact somebody to get that corrected.

[pbraren]

Seems that this new URL should work:

https://my.vmware.com/en/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=free-esxi7

with a nice walk through here:

https://www.virten.net/2020/04/free-esxi-7-0-how-to-download-and-get-license-keys/
Please let us know how it goes!

[trmentry]

Seems that this new URL should work:

https://my.vmware.com/en/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=free-esxi7

with a nice walk through here:

https://www.virten.net/2020/04/free-esxi-7-0-how-to-download-and-get-license-keys/
Please let us know how it goes!

I was able to get my 7.0 license key.   But when I get to the big blue "manually download" button, it won't do anything.

I've tried on all browsers on my mac.  Safari, FF, Chrome.

And on windows, IE, Chrome, FF.

No download will start.   I've also disabled all extensions but I only run 2.

A bit stumped as to why it won't start a download.   Guessing things are just busy with the shiny new version.    But was hoping someone could confirm that.

[trmentry]

I managed to get the ISO downloaded.   So the VMWare site would not let me download them from my Cox IP address or my Centurylink IP address.   But I switched to VPN (US Server) and it downloaded right away.

Very odd.

[PopaTim]

I've yet to get the download button to work. Tried IE11, Chrome, & FF with all the combinations of Addon, VPN, & A/V on or off and on two different PC's.

I'm on Fios and in NY. 

Does anyone else have to relogin with nearly every page change? Which incidentally opens a new tab so when your trying different things, just to get a download working, you can get 30+ tabs open.

My resolution: I downloaded the file on my ATT phone on the first try - while sitting at my PC's that have been unable to. Wish I tried this 2 days ago...

[PopaTim]

Go back to your profile, you probably have unfilled yet required entries that need something in there. It would be nice if the page wouldn't let you move away without filling in these required entries...

The required entries I needed to fill in were all Company related even though I checked the box that said this wasn't for company use... Make stuff up.

Once that page is filled in you'll be able to add the product to you'r list and generate a license.