License ESXi 6.0: A Free Alternative to VMware's Paid Version

The binaries available as the 'Free Hypervisor' are identical to the paid version of ESXi, but with some software limitations. The license key can be created for free at VMware's website. VSphere 7.0 has been released, and like previous versions, VMware provides a free version of their Hypervisor ESXi for everyone.

The binaries available as the 'Free Hypervisor' are identical to the paid version of ESXi, but with some software limitations. The license key can be created for free at VMwares website. VSphere 6.5 has been released and, like previous versions, VMware provides a free version of their Hypervisor ESXi for everyone again.

For personal use or lab testing, you can utilize demo licenses, which typically run for 60 days. When the license expires, you can register for a new one using a different email address. However, if you're using it for a company, purchasing the essentials bundle of vSphere can save you time and headaches by unlocking vCenter and the web console.

One limitation of the free version is that managing virtual machines created with new virtual hardware types requires the Web Console, which is only available with vCenter or a purchase version of vSphere 5.5. If you're looking for a free solution, it's recommended to contact VMware customer support to discuss your options.

For those who have been using older versions of ESXi, it's worth noting that obtaining previous version licenses can be challenging once new versions are released. William Lam's appliances, which provide excellent scripts and insight, may not be applicable in this case.

In my experience, upgrading to a newer version of ESXi without waiting for Update 1 is generally recommended. With a free license, I was able to upgrade from 6.0 to 6.5, and then further to 6.0u2 on the same hardware. As an enthusiast running a free version of ESXi for my home network and locally hosted apps, I can attest that it's a reliable and cost-effective option.

Overall, the free version of ESXi 6.0 is a viable alternative to VMware's paid version, offering identical binaries with some limitations. With proper planning and management, you can take advantage of this free hypervisor solution for your virtualization needs.

License esxi 6.0