For years, VMware offered a perpetual free license for ESXi—limited but functional for single servers. This was ideal for students, small labs, and IT professionals learning the platform.
If your host is managed by vCenter, it is often easier to apply the license through the vSphere Client under the "Administration" > "Licensing" section. Vmware Esxi 8 License Key
You can still obtain a free license for personal or home lab use by registering on the Broadcom Support Portal. After registration, you can download the ISO which typically includes or provides access to the free license key. For years, VMware offered a perpetual free license
Broadcom (which now owns VMware) still offers a free edition for ESXi 8, but it’s harder to find than before. Vmware Esxi 8 License Key