2. Register a New Key via vim-cmd (ESXi Host Level via vCenter)
However, he realized that the command might not work directly unless he was on the specific appliance or had the right tools installed. For vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA), there's a built-in utility.
$si = Get-View ServiceInstance $assignmentMgr = Get-View $licenseMgr.LicenseAssignmentManager $vCenterUuid = $si.Content.About.InstanceUuid # Assign the key to the vCenter instance $assignmentMgr.UpdateAssignedLicense($vCenterUuid, "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" "vCenter License Name" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard LucD Notes To Check Existing Licenses on Hosts: powershell Get-VMHost | Select-Object Name, LicenseKey Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Broadcom Community 2. Using Ansible If you use automation tools, the community.vmware.vcenter_license module allows you to manage keys declaratively. Example Playbook Task: : Add a new vCenter license community.vmware.vcenter_license " vcenter_hostname " " vcenter_username " " vcenter_password " "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Ansible Documentation 3. Local Shell (ESXi Only) vcenter license key command line
touch /etc/vmware/license.cfg vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show
The command output will confirm the license assignment and display the unlocked features. Using Ansible If you use automation tools, the community
To see what license keys are already known to vCenter:
Instead of removing then adding, use --replace : vCenter Licensing Before making any changes
module allows you to programmatically add or remove license keys from a vCenter instance. Spiceworks Community ESXi Host vs. vCenter Licensing
Before making any changes, it's best practice to audit your current licensing state.