Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, VMware has reinstated its free ESXi hypervisor, a move that has been met with enthusiasm from the virtualization community. This article delves into the background of this decision, its implications, and what it means for users moving forward.

Background

VMware's ESXi hypervisor has long been a cornerstone in the virtualization landscape, offering a robust platform for running virtual machines. Historically, VMware provided a free version of ESXi, which was widely adopted by home lab enthusiasts, small businesses, and educational institutions. However, in February 2024, following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the free version was discontinued as part of a shift towards subscription-based licensing models. This decision was met with significant backlash from the community, as it removed a valuable resource for learning and experimentation.

The Return of Free ESXi

In April 2025, VMware quietly announced the return of the free ESXi hypervisor with the release of vSphere ESXi 8.0 Update 3e. The announcement was subtly included in the release notes, stating: "Broadcom makes available the VMware vSphere Hypervisor version 8, an entry-level hypervisor. You can download it free of charge from the Broadcom Support portal." (theregister.com)

To access the free version, users are required to register on Broadcom's support portal. Once registered, they can download the ESXi 8.0 U3e ISO, which comes with an embedded license that does not expire. This reinstated free version maintains certain limitations, such as a maximum of 8 vCPUs per virtual machine and the absence of features like vMotion, High Availability (HA), and support for vCenter integration. (vinfrastructure.it)

Implications and Impact

The reintroduction of the free ESXi hypervisor has several notable implications:

  • Community Engagement: By offering a free version, VMware acknowledges the importance of its user community, particularly home lab users and small businesses. This move is likely aimed at rebuilding trust and fostering goodwill among these groups.
  • Competitive Landscape: The virtualization market is highly competitive, with alternatives like Proxmox VE and XCP-ng gaining traction, especially after the initial discontinuation of free ESXi. By reinstating the free tier, VMware aims to retain users who might have otherwise migrated to these platforms. (virtualizationhowto.com)
  • Strategic Positioning: Providing a free version allows VMware to maintain a presence in educational institutions and among individual learners, ensuring that new IT professionals are trained on VMware's platform, which could influence future purchasing decisions in enterprise environments.

Technical Details

The free ESXi 8.0 U3e includes several enhancements:

  • Hardware Compatibility: Added support for CDC-NCM (Communication Device Class – Network Control Model) in the ESXi USB driver, improving integration with HPE Gen12 iLO Virtual NIC and related tools.
  • Quick Boot Support: Expanded to include drivers for Intel vRAN Baseband, Intel Platform Monitoring Technology, Intel Data Center Graphics, and AMD Instinct MI Series. (systemadministration.net)

Conclusion

The reinstatement of VMware's free ESXi hypervisor marks a significant shift in the company's approach to community engagement and market strategy. While the free version comes with certain limitations, it provides a valuable resource for learning, testing, and small-scale deployments. Users should remain aware of the potential for future changes in VMware's licensing policies and consider their long-term virtualization needs accordingly.

Reference Links

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Summary

VMware has reinstated its free ESXi hypervisor with the release of vSphere ESXi 8.0 Update 3e, following its discontinuation in 2024. This move aims to re-engage the virtualization community and maintain competitiveness in the market. The free version includes certain limitations but offers valuable resources for learning and small-scale deployments.

Meta Description

VMware's free ESXi hypervisor returns with vSphere ESXi 8.0 U3e, offering the virtualization community renewed access to a key resource for learning and testing.