7.0

You can use one of following methods to license ESXi hosts:
n License multiple hosts at a time by using the license management function in the vSphere
Client. The hosts must be connected to a vCenter Server system. For more information, see
vCenter Server and Host Management .
n Set up bulk licensing by using PowerCLI commands. Bulk licensing works for all ESXi hosts,
but is especially useful for hosts provisioned with Auto Deploy. See Set Up Bulk Licensing
n License individual ESXi hosts by using a direct connection with the VMware Host Client.
For information about assigning a license key to an ESXi host, see vSphere Single Host
Management .
Recording the License Key of an ESXi Host
If a host becomes inaccessible or unbootable, you should have a record of its license key. You can
write down the license key and tape it to the server, or put the license key in a secure location.
You can access the license key from the direct console user interface or the vSphere Client.
View the License Keys of ESXi Hosts from the vSphere Client
You can view the license keys of the hosts that are connected to a vCenter Server system through
the vSphere Client.
Procedure
1 In the vSphere Client, select Administration.
2 Under Licensing, select Licenses.
3 On the Assets tab, select Hosts.
4 In the License column, click a license.
Results
You view information about the license, such as its usage and license key.
Access the ESXi License Key from the Direct Console
If you have physical access to the host or remote access to the direct console, you can use the
direct console to access the ESXi license key.
Procedure
u From the direct console, select View Support Information.
The license key appears in the form XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, labeled License
Serial Number.
Note The physical machine serial number also appears, labeled Serial Number. Do not
confuse the license key with the physical machine serial number.
VMware ESXi Installation and Setup
VMware, Inc. 237