Recent ESXi 8 patches (U2 and newer) have patched this exploit for many users. Expect the host to revert to "Evaluation Expired" after a reboot regardless.
Since the transition to Broadcom, the process for managing keys has changed: esxi 8 license key
Here's what happens behind the scenes:
If you're upgrading from an earlier version of ESXi to ESXi 8, you'll need to consider the following license-related factors: Recent ESXi 8 patches (U2 and newer) have
Broadcom (which acquired VMware in late 2023) has aggressively pushed users toward subscription models. The free tier was exploited by small businesses, leading to zero revenue from those deployments. By killing the free key, they convert hobbyists and SMBs into paid customers or force them to downgrade. The free tier was exploited by small businesses,
Stop searching for "ESXi 8 license key generator" – those are traps. If you want to run ESXi 8 legally, get a VMUG subscription today or accept the 60-day trial limitations.