1. During Installation:

   • If you’re performing a fresh installation of vCenter Server or ESXi hosts, the installation wizard will prompt you to enter your vSphere 7 license key. Entering the key activates the software and unlocks the features associated with your specific license edition.

2. Existing Deployment:

   • If you’re not performing a fresh installation, you can activate vSphere 7 on your existing deployment through the vSphere web client. Here’s the general process:
     • Login to the vSphere web client.
     • Navigate to the “Licensing” section within the vSphere client.
     • Locate the option to “Assign License” or “Enter License.”
     • Enter your valid vSphere 7 license key and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

Additional Considerations:

• Evaluation Licenses: VMware might offer evaluation licenses for vSphere, allowing you to test the features before purchasing a full license. These licenses typically have a limited validity period.
• vSphere License Manager: Utilize VMware vSphere License Manager to simplify license management for your vSphere environment. This tool helps you track, assign, and monitor your vSphere licenses.

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

• VMware vSphere Licensing: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/7.0/com.vmware.vsphere.vcenterhost.doc/GUID-7AFCC64B-7D94-48A0-86CF-8E7EF55DF68F.html
• VMware vSphere Evaluation: https://www.vmware.com/trials-test-drives.html
• vSphere License Manager: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/8.0/vsphere-vcenter-esxi-management/GUID-710CD935-DBF4-4AF6-A4F7-ED35E552DE4C.html

Licensing:

• Required for Activation: Unlike the free ESXi version (no longer generally available), vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus requires a license for activation. This license determines the features and functionalities available in your vSphere environment.
• Licensing Options: VMware offers various licensing options for vSphere, including perpetual licenses and subscription-based models. Consider your budget and deployment needs when choosing a license.
• Obtaining a License: You can purchase a license directly from VMware or through authorized resellers.

Activation Process:

• During Installation: During the installation process of vSphere components like vCenter Server or ESXi hosts, you’ll be prompted to enter your license key. This key activates the software and unlocks the features associated with your specific license.
• vSphere Web Client: If you’re not performing a fresh installation, you can activate your existing vSphere deployment through the vSphere web client. Navigate to the licensing section within the vSphere client and enter your license key to activate the software.

Additional Considerations:

• Evaluation Licenses: VMware might offer evaluation licenses for vSphere, allowing you to test the software before purchasing a full license. These licenses typically have a limited validity period.
• License Management: VMware offers tools like vSphere License Manager to manage and track your licenses across your vSphere environment. This simplifies license assignment and ensures proper compliance.

Since activation relies on a valid license, there’s no free or publicly available activation method for vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus.

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

• VMware vSphere Licensing: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/8.0/vsphere-vcenter-esxi-management/GUID-710CD935-DBF4-4AF6-A4F7-ED35E552DE4C.html
• VMware vSphere Evaluation: https://www.vmware.com/trials-test-drives.html
• vSphere License Manager: https://www.vmware.com/licensing.html