Alternatively, if you are already at the console, type shell to switch from the Appliance Shell to the Bash shell. 2. Connect to the Appliance Open your terminal and connect as the root user: ssh root@your-vcenter-ip Use code with caution. Using the PowerCLI Method (Recommended)
Once you have an overview of your current license state, you can proceed with assignments. This section details the procedures for both vCenter and ESXi hosts.
If PowerCLI is unavailable, you can manage licenses directly from the vCenter Server Appliance via SSH using the built-in directory service commands ( dir-cli ). Enable and Access SSH Connect to your VCSA via an SSH client (like PuTTY). Log in as root . Type shell to enter the BASH interface if prompted. Query License Information via dir-cli
/usr/lib/vmware-vmdir/bin/dir-cli entry list --container "Licenses" --password "YourAdminPassword" Use code with caution. Scripting with vim-cmd on ESXi Hosts
$licenseKey = "LicenseKeyToRemove" $licenseAssignment = Get-LicenseAssignment | Where-Object $_.LicenseKey -eq $licenseKey Remove-LicenseAssignment -Id $licenseAssignment.Id vcenter license key command line
We can document the specific steps needed to using a PowerCLI loop.
The LicenseDataManager object in PowerCLI allows you to associate a license key with a container object like a . This automatically licenses any new or reconnecting hosts added to that container. This feature is particularly useful for dynamic environments using vSphere Auto Deploy.
$LicenseAssignmentManager = Get-View -Id ($LicenseManager.LicenseAssignmentManager) $LicenseAssignmentManager.UpdateAssignedLicense("vcenter_uuid", "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX", $null) Use code with caution.
Get-View -Id 'LicenseManager-licenseManager' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Licenses Use code with caution. Step 3: Add a New License Key to the Inventory Alternatively, if you are already at the console,
Note: This method is specifically for the host and does not manage the vCenter Server's own license. 3. Alternative Automation (API & MOB)
Best for: Managing a single standalone ESXi host, emergency maintenance, or scripted kickstart installations.
To remove a license from a host, you must use the LicenseAssignmentManager.RemoveAssignedLicense() method. This returns the host to evaluation mode.
Before diving into the command-line management of vCenter license keys, it's crucial to understand the basics. A vCenter license key is a 25-character code provided by VMware that unlocks specific features and functionalities within your vSphere environment. These keys are used to activate and manage licenses for various VMware products, including vCenter Server. Using the PowerCLI Method (Recommended) Once you have
Download license keys for Broadcom, CA, Symantec, and VMware products
# Connect to vCenter and get the License Data Manager $licenseDataManager = Get-LicenseDataManager
If you cannot use PowerCLI, you must use the vSphere Client GUI by navigating to Administration > Licensing > Licenses to manually add and assign keys. VCenter assign license key - Powershell script | PowerCLI