VMware vSphere 6 Hypervisor License: Understanding the Free Version

When it comes to using VMware vSphere, many individuals and organizations are interested in the free version of ESXi, which is part of the vSphere hypervisor. While ESXi free offers a lot of benefits, there are some limitations that users should be aware of.

Limitations of ESXi Free

Firstly, there is no support for ESXi free, which may not be a major issue for many users. Additionally, there is a limit to the number of vCPUs per virtual machine, with a maximum of 8 vCPUs allowed. While there are no limits on the underlying infrastructure, such as the number of CPUs and cores on your host server, ESXi free has some limitations that you should be aware of.

Logical CPU Limitations

One key limitation of ESXi free is the logical number of CPUs on your ESXi host, which is capped at 480. This means that even if your host server has more than 480 logical CPUs, you will still be limited to this number with ESXi free.

Applying a vSphere License

Once you install ESXi and apply a free license, you will notice some differences between ESXi free and the evaluation version of ESXi. The evaluation version is equivalent to VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus. To get a license, you need to visit the VMware vSphere Hypervisor download center, create an account, and request your free ESXi license.

Evaluation License

The evaluation license gives you access to all ESXi features, but it will stop working after 60 days if you don't apply a valid license. This means that if you don't apply a license within the 60-day period, you may start experiencing problems in your environment.

Requirements for Installing ESXi Free

If you want to install the free version of VMware ESXi, you need a server that meets the same requirements as any paid version of ESXi. As of ESXi 6.7, your physical server needs at least a single socket processor with at least two cores, at least 4 GB of RAM, storage, and network connectivity.

In conclusion, while ESXi free is a great option for many users, it's essential to understand the limitations that come with it. By knowing what you can and can't do with ESXi free, you can make informed decisions about how to use this powerful hypervisor in your environment.

Vmware vsphere 6 hypervisor license