As of February 12, 2024, VMware, under Broadcom’s ownership, discontinued the free version of its ESXi hypervisor.
This change is part of VMware’s transition from perpetual licensing to subscription-based models, aiming to streamline and simplify its product offerings.
Consequently, the free vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi 7.x and 8.x) is no longer available for download or use.
Users seeking virtualization solutions are now encouraged to explore VMware’s subscription-based offerings, such as VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware vSphere Foundation.
For those who previously utilized the free ESXi version, it’s important to note that while existing installations may continue to function, they will no longer receive updates or official support. Transitioning to a subscription-based model will ensure access to the latest features, security patches, and technical support.
This shift reflects a broader industry trend towards subscription services, offering customers more flexibility and continuous access to product enhancements. Organizations currently relying on the free ESXi hypervisor should assess their virtualization needs and consider migrating to VMware’s subscription-based solutions to maintain a secure and supported virtual infrastructure.