You cannot add the free ESXi host to a vCenter Server for centralized management.
Unlike older versions that required manual key registration, this version often comes with a "baked-in" free license upon installation. download vmware vsphere free
The product most users refer to when searching for "free vSphere" is actually , the underlying hypervisor. As of late 2025 and 2026, Broadcom has reinstated a free version, specifically VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e and later. Key Features & Limitations You cannot add the free ESXi host to
For IT professionals and home lab enthusiasts, finding a way to has become a moving target since Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. After a brief period where the free version was discontinued, it has officially returned as an entry-level hypervisor under a new distribution model. The Current State of "Free" vSphere (2025–2026) As of late 2025 and 2026, Broadcom has