: This often occurs if the host is in "Evaluation Mode." Ensure you have permanently assigned the key through the vSphere Client by navigating to Host > Manage > Licensing > Assign License .
The free edition has no limit on RAM or storage capacity—only on CPU sockets and vSphere APIs. vmware esxi license key fixed
New keys are now issued based on a metric rather than per-CPU: Free ESXi: Restrictions and Limitations - NAKIVO : This often occurs if the host is in "Evaluation Mode
: Newer versions like 8.0U3e often come with an embedded license key already populated in the download. vmware esxi license key fixed