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bhavin78
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Is VMWare ESXi 5.5 free?


I installed VMWare ESXi 5.5  and vSphere cleint in test lab and from what I see it is a 60 days evaluation, how can I get a free version?

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abhilashhb
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As Andre mentioned you missed the Licensing standalone host section.

If you are too confused, here are the steps

To license a standalone ESXi 5.x (vSphere Hypervisor):

  1. Log in to the ESXi host using vSphere Client.
  2. Click the Configuration tab.
  3. Click Licensed Features under Software.
  4. Click Edit under Licensed Features.
  5. Select Assign a new license key to this host.
  6. Press Enter and enter the License Key.
  7. Click OK.
Abhilash B
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilashhb/

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VirtuallyMikeB
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Hello,

Go here

Download VMware vSphere Hypervisor for Free

and login or register. Then click on license and download.  You'll be asked how many physical servers you plan on installing the free vSphere Hypervisor on, then you'll be granted licenses and be able to download it.

All the best,

Mike

-----------------------------------------

Please consider marking this answer "correct" or "helpful" if you found it useful.

Mike Brown

VMware, Cisco Data Center, and NetApp dude

Consulting Engineer

michael.b.brown3@gmail.com

Twitter: @VirtuallyMikeB

Blog: http://VirtuallyMikeBrown.com

LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/in/michaelbbrown

----------------------------------------- Please consider marking this answer "correct" or "helpful" if you found it useful (you'll get points too). Mike Brown VMware, Cisco Data Center, and NetApp dude Sr. Systems Engineer michael.b.brown3@gmail.com Twitter: @VirtuallyMikeB Blog: http://VirtuallyMikeBrown.com LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/in/michaelbbrown
bhavin78
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Mike,

   That is what I downloaded (VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.5.0-1331820.x86_64) and installed but when I connect to server from vSphere client, I see a 60 days limit.  Do I need to use other client than vsphere client?

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a_p_
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After registering for the free Hypervisor edition at the link provided by , you will see/get a license key which you have to apply to the ESXi host. To do this, follow the steps in VMware KB: Licensing ESXi 5.x and vCenter Server 5.x (section "Licensing a standalone ESXi host")

André

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VirtuallyMikeB
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See the screenshot below - you should be granted a license from the link in my first post once you register.

free-hypervisor.jpg

----------------------------------------- Please consider marking this answer "correct" or "helpful" if you found it useful (you'll get points too). Mike Brown VMware, Cisco Data Center, and NetApp dude Sr. Systems Engineer michael.b.brown3@gmail.com Twitter: @VirtuallyMikeB Blog: http://VirtuallyMikeBrown.com LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/in/michaelbbrown
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bhavin78
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I have the license key , I follwed the article to register but I dont find licensing option under Administration tab.

Is ESXi 5.5 /vsphere totally free ?

ESXi5.5.png




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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a_p_
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Yes, the Hypervisor is completely free, no time limits!

I think you missed that I mentioned the "Licensing a standalone ESXi host" section in my previous post. Licensing in the Administration menu is only available with vCenter Server (which is not free).

André

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abhilashhb
VMware Employee
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As Andre mentioned you missed the Licensing standalone host section.

If you are too confused, here are the steps

To license a standalone ESXi 5.x (vSphere Hypervisor):

  1. Log in to the ESXi host using vSphere Client.
  2. Click the Configuration tab.
  3. Click Licensed Features under Software.
  4. Click Edit under Licensed Features.
  5. Select Assign a new license key to this host.
  6. Press Enter and enter the License Key.
  7. Click OK.
Abhilash B
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilashhb/

Linjo
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To license a standalone ESXi 5.x (vSphere Hypervisor):

  1. Log in to the ESXi host using vSphere Client.
  2. Click the Configuration tab.
  3. Click Licensed Features under Software.
  4. Click Edit under Licensed Features.
  5. Select Assign a new license key to this host.
  6. Press Enter and enter the License Key.
  7. Click OK.
Best regards, Linjo Please follow me on twitter: @viewgeek If you find this information useful, please award points for "correct" or "helpful".
bhavin78
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In this case how and where I can enter the licensing key for standalone ESXi host?

will I be able to use vsphere client for free?

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abhilashhb
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Yes vSphere client is free.

Abhilash B
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilashhb/

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abhilashhb
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Follow the exact steps i posted in my previous reply.

Abhilash B
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilashhb/

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bhavin78
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Thanks everyone, I was finally able to license free version of VMWare, do I have to license vsphere client?

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abhilashhb
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No you don't have to. Its free. There is no license for vSphere client.

Abhilash B
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilashhb/

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