By default, when you install ESXi, it will be set to a 60-day evaluation license. This license provides the same features as the vSphere Enterprise Plus license, but with limited usage time.
You can register for a free license of ESXi 7 here: but after that will be limited features for the free version.
Therefore, the best way to use the premium features of ESXi forever is to reset the expiry date of the trial license.
After 60 days expires, ESXi will give an error “Your evaluation license for ESXi has expired.” Open virtual machines will continue to work, but if you turn it off, it will not be able to open again.
Here’s how to reset the trial period so you can use ESXi forever without feature restrictions. This method can be applied to both ESXi 6 and ESXi 7.
Note: For experimental and destructive purposes only. If you use it for business purposes, you need to buy a license from VMWare.
1. Enable SSH
Access the Host item in the left menu, select Actions -> Services -> Enable Secure Shell (SSH) to allow access to the ESXi host via SSH.
2. Reset copyright
SSH access to the ESXi host and execute the following commands
Remove existing license (expired)
rm -r /etc/vmware/license.cfgCopy the trial license (available on the host) instead
cp /etc/vmware/.#license.cfg /etc/vmware/license.cfgRestart the ESXi . service
/etc/init.d/vpxa restartAccess to ESXi again, the trial license has been reset to 60 days.
3. Configure automatic reset
I will configure the system to automatically run the above scripts every 30 days, no more manual manipulation.
Create files reset-license.sh and save it in your datastore.
cd /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/
vi reset-license.shYou need a replacement datastore1 with the corresponding datastore name on the host in use.
ESXi not available nano to edit the file, it is mandatory to use vi. How to use vi: press i to start editing mode, paste in the content below. Then click next Esc : w q and Enter to save and exit
#!/bin/sh
## remove license
echo 'Removing License'
rm -r /etc/vmware/license.cfg
## get a new trial license
echo 'Copying new license'
cp /etc/vmware/.#license.cfg /etc/vmware/license.cfg
## restart services
echo 'Restarting VPXA'
/etc/init.d/vpxa restartSet execute permission for file reset-license.sh and test run
chmod +x reset-license.sh
./reset-license.shNext, create cron to run automatically on the 1st of every month
/bin/echo "* * 1 * * /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/reset-eval.sh" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/root
kill $(cat /var/run/crond.pid)
crondBecause ESXi will automatically reset the cron file every time it boots, it is necessary to edit the file /etc/rc.local.d/local.sh and add the following before the line exit 0 at the bottom.
/bin/kill $(cat /var/run/crond.pid)
/bin/echo "* * 1 * * /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/reset-license.sh" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/root
crondIt is done. ESXi will always work in trial mode, with the full features of the Enterprise version for you to freely research and play.
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