Vcenter License Key Command Line -

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.

Managing vCenter Server licenses via the command line is primarily done through VMware PowerCLI or by using the Managed Object Browser (MOB) for emergency situations . While the

utility is common for ESXi hosts, it has limited direct application for vCenter Server itself. 1. Using VMware PowerCLI (Recommended) vcenter license key command line

PowerCLI is the standard tool for automating vSphere license management. You must have a valid connection to your vCenter Server before running these commands. View Current vCenter License Get-VCLicense

(available in PowerCLI 6.5+) to see the active key, edition, and expiration. powershell Get-VCLicense Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Add a New License Key to Inventory To add a key without immediately assigning it, use the AddLicense method from the LicenseManager powershell Always ensure your license keys are stored securely

$si = Get-View ServiceInstance $lm = Get-View $si.Content.LicenseManager $lm.AddLicense( "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Assign/Update vCenter License UpdateAssignedLicense method to apply a key to the vCenter instance itself. powershell

$lam = Get-View $lm.LicenseAssignmentManager $vCenterUuid = (Get-View $si.Content.About).InstanceUuid $lam.UpdateAssignedLicense($vCenterUuid, "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard thecloudxpert.net 2. Using ESXi Shell ( standalone ESXi hosts (not yet managed by vCenter), you can use the local shell. View License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Set License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --set=YOUR-KEY-HERE Broadcom Community 3. Emergency Recovery via MOB Get-VMHost | Select-Object Name, @N="EvalDaysLeft";E=$_

If your vCenter license is expired and the web client is inaccessible, you can use the Managed Object Browser (MOB) Navigate to

Get-Cluster "HR-Cluster" | Set-Cluster -License (Get-VMLicense -Key "XXXXX")

Get-VMHost | Select-Object Name, LicenseKey | Export-Csv -Path "C:\licenses.csv"

Get-VMHost | Select-Object Name, @N="EvalDaysLeft";E=$_.LicenseState.EvaluationDaysLeft

vim-cmd vimsvc/license/add <LICENSE_KEY>