How to Get a Free VMware License Key Legally (2026 Guide) Finding a legitimate has become simpler and more complex following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. While some old "free" editions have been retired, others have been made entirely free for everyone—eliminating the need for a license key altogether.
While the free standalone ESXi hypervisor has been deprecated, Broadcom currently offers a for VMware vSphere. get free vmware license key
Broadcom briefly discontinued the free version of ESXi but has since reintroduced a free-to-download version for home labs and small-scale use. How to Get a Free VMware License Key
Let’s walk through the process for the most common request: . Broadcom briefly discontinued the free version of ESXi
Download the latest version (e.g., 17.6.2 or later) from the Broadcom Downloads page . During installation, simply select the option for personal or "no-charge" use to skip the license prompt.
You must create a free account on the Broadcom Support Portal . Navigate to My Downloads > VMware Cloud Foundation > Workstation Pro (or Fusion Pro). 2. VMware ESXi (vSphere Hypervisor) Free Edition