Broadcom’s Acquisition Raises Doubts, But the Free Version of ESXi May Not Be Dead Yet
Since Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware, the virtualization community has been filled with concern and confusion, particularly regarding the fate of VMware ESXi’s free version. Long a staple for home labs, students, and small businesses, the free ESXi license appeared to have vanished—until recently.
A Misunderstanding Sparked by the Wrong Build?
Initial reports, including this publication, claimed that the free version of ESXi had been discontinued. This conclusion, however, seems to stem from testing the wrong build of ESXi 8.0 Update 3e.
There are two builds of 8.0 U3e, and they behave differently:
- Build 24674464: This is the standard edition, which starts with a 60-day fully-featured trial. After this period, without a paid license, the host becomes limited—virtual machines cannot be powered on or managed.
- Build 24677879: This version does include the free embedded license key and does not expire, matching the behavior of the classic “free” ESXi edition that many users are familiar with.
This distinction is subtle but critical. If you’re testing or deploying ESXi 8.0 U3e and want the free version, you must use build 24677879.
What Does This Mean for Users?
The good news is that the free version of ESXi still exists, but it now requires more attention:
- You need to download the correct build (24677879) that includes the embedded license.
- Access is restricted via the Broadcom Support Portal (BSP), meaning you must register to download the installer.
- The licensing terms and capabilities remain similar to the previous free version: no vCenter management, limited APIs, and capped hardware support, but functional for basic use.
Alternatives for Personal Labs or Low-Cost Environments
While the free ESXi version is still available, the added friction has led many to explore alternatives:
- 🐧 Proxmox VE – An open-source virtualization platform with an intuitive web interface and no license restrictions.
- 💻 Microsoft Hyper-V – Available in Windows 10/11 Pro and Windows Server.
- 🧩 XCP-ng – A free and open-source alternative based on XenServer.
- 🛠️ HPE VM Explorer Essentials – A lightweight commercial solution for basic needs.
Conclusion: Free ESXi Is Not Dead—But It’s Less Accessible
The initial alarm over the disappearance of free ESXi was understandable but ultimately based on a misunderstanding. VMware ESXi 8.0 U3e does still offer a free version, but it is not as openly advertised or accessible as before. Users must be more proactive and precise in choosing the correct build and navigating Broadcom’s new portal system.
Whether this shift marks a transition toward the eventual discontinuation of the free edition remains to be seen. For now, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant and well-informed—especially in times of corporate change.