How to activate your VMware licence key

VMware desktop products take the key in the app; vSphere keys are added in vCenter (or the ESXi host client) and assigned to your hosts.

Before you start

Install the exact product and major version your key is for (for example vSphere 8).
For vSphere, make sure you have administrator access to vCenter Server or the ESXi host.

1
Workstation Pro / Fusion Pro
Open the app and go to Help → Enter a License Key (Workstation) or VMware Fusion → License (Fusion), then paste the key.
2
vSphere: add the key
In the vSphere Client open Administration → Licensing → Licenses → Add, paste the key, give it a name and finish.
3
vSphere: assign it
Go to the Assets tab, select your vCenter Server or ESXi hosts, choose “Assign License” and select the new key.
4
Single ESXi host
Without vCenter, open the ESXi Host Client → Manage → Licensing → Assign license and enter the key.

Troubleshooting

Key is for a different version

vSphere keys are tied to a major version (7.x or 8.x). Install the matching version before assigning the key.

Not enough CPU or core capacity

vSphere keys cover a set number of CPUs or cores. Check the capacity shown on the Licenses page against your hosts.

Still stuck? Contact us with your order number and a screenshot. Our team replies within 24 hours. Your key can be found any time under My account.