Set-VMHost -VMHost "HostName" -LicenseKey "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. : powershell

To remove a license from a host, you must use the LicenseAssignmentManager.RemoveAssignedLicense() method. This returns the host to evaluation mode.

Before a license can be assigned to an asset, it must be added to the vCenter Server's license inventory. : powershell

Unlike standalone ESXi hosts—which can be managed directly via local ESXi Shell commands like vim-cmd —vCenter Server manages licensing through a centralized service called the (part of the Platform Services Controller or embedded vCenter services).

shell

vim-cmd vimsvc/license --assign vmware vCenterServerLicenseKey

It is important to distinguish between licensing an individual host and the vCenter Server itself: Standalone ESXi Hosts : You can directly set a license key using the utility via SSH: Set License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --set=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX View License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Managed Hosts

VMware's Windows PowerShell module that interacts with the vSphere API.

For legacy architectures or strict internal appliance troubleshooting, VMware includes internal Python utilities within the VCSA file system that interface directly with the vSphere Management SDK. SSH into your VCSA as root . Type shell to switch to the BASH interface.

Connect-VIServer -Server vcenter.yourdomain.local -User administrator@vsphere.local -Password "YourPassword" Use code with caution. 2. View Current Licenses

This command will quickly display the status of your current license, providing a snapshot of its health and remaining days.

Before running any CLI commands, ensure you have the following:

In a "Split-Brain" scenario or when the vCenter database is corrupted, the GUI is often unavailable.

: