If you are logged into a standalone ESXi host via SSH, you can view or apply licenses using the vim-cmd utility. : vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Apply License :
$cluster = Get-Cluster "Production-Cluster" $license = Get-VMLicense -Key "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Set-Cluster -Cluster $cluster -License $license vcenter license key command line
The VCSA includes a built-in license management utility located in /usr/lib/vmware-vpx/vpxd/ . If you are logged into a standalone ESXi
: Ensure you aren't trying to apply an ESXi Standard key to a vCenter Server Appliance. They are distinct license types. vcenter license key command line
For environments without PowerCLI, you can use REST API calls (vCenter 6.5+) or SOAP-based vmware-cmd scripts. Modern vCenter APIs allow license assignment via HTTP requests.