Vcenter License Key Command Line Jun 2026

This article outlines how to manage vCenter Server and ESXi host licenses through the CLI, primarily using PowerCLI and ESXi Shell commands. 1. Prerequisites and Tools To manage vCenter and ESXi licenses via CLI, you need:

While vCenter itself requires the UpdateAssignedLicense method, individual ESXi hosts managed by vCenter can be licensed more simply: powershell

PowerCLI is the most robust and documented method.

$licenseData.LicenseKeys += $licenseKeyEntry

Log into the vCenter Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) at https:// :5480 . Navigate to and enable SSH Login . vcenter license key command line

The of your vCenter Server (e.g., vSphere 7.0, 8.0, or newer).

Run the following command, replacing the placeholder text with your actual VMware license key:

$LicenseKey = "AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE" $LicenseMan = Get-View LicenseManager $LicenseMan.AddLicense($LicenseKey, $null) Use code with caution. 4. Assign the License Key to the vCenter Server

Often, users search for "vcenter license key command line" when they actually need to license the underlying ESXi host to get vCenter back online. This article outlines how to manage vCenter Server

Get-VMHost "esxi-hostname" | Set-VMHost -LicenseKey "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX"

Get-LicenseAssignment | Select-Object -Property LicenseKey,AssignedTo,@N='ProductName';E=$_.LicenseProduct.Name

This command will output the installed license serial number, product name, expiration date, and other details.

Always ensure your license keys are stored securely. Do not store scripts containing plain-text license keys in public repositories. Use VMware's official licensing portal to verify entitlement. $licenseData

To ensure a smooth and reliable license management process, it is recommended to adhere to the following best practices:

# Find the vCenter Entity $vCenter = Get-View -ViewType VirtualCenter -Property Name # Assign the license (replace "XXXXX-XXXXX..." with your key) $vCenter.UpdateLicense("XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX") Use code with caution. 2. Managing vCenter Licenses via SSH (vCSA)

If you need to remove a license key: