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VMware has officially brought back the free version of ESXi with the new vSphere Hypervisor 8.0 Update 3e release! This non-expiring, embedded-license version requires no license key and offers the same powerful features as the Free Edition, making it perfect for homelabs and test environments.
Key Features:
✅ Embedded license – No need to request a license key.
✅ Non-expiring – Use it indefinitely without restrictions.
✅ Full ESXi functionality – Ideal for virtualization experiments.
System Resource Usage:
📌 CPU Usage: ~6% (403 MHz out of 7 GHz) reserved for ESXi system processes.
📌 Memory Reserved: 1.5 GB to 2 GB allocated to the ESXi host.
📌 Storage Reserved: 1.5 GB to 2 GB used for system files, logs, and configurations.
Limitations:
- Max 8 vCPUs per VM (due to 8-way virtual SMP limit).
- No vCenter Server Management.
- No vMotion, DRS, HA, or Clustering.
- API Read-Only access.
- No official VMware support.
🔗 Download Link: https://lnkd.in/gNF8H2S9
You Should Know:
1. Installing ESXi 8.0 Update 3e
To install ESXi on a physical server or VM:
Boot from the ESXi ISO Follow the installation wizard Configure network settings (static IP recommended for servers) esxcli system settings advanced set -o /Net/FollowHardwareMac -i 1 Ensure MAC consistency
2. Basic ESXi Commands
After installation, manage your ESXi host via SSH or the DCUI (Direct Console User Interface):
Enable SSH (if disabled) vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh vim-cmd hostsvc/start_ssh Check ESXi version vmware -v List all VMs vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms Start/Stop a VM vim-cmd vmsvc/power.on <VMID> vim-cmd vmsvc/power.off <VMID>
3. Managing Storage
ESXi reserves storage for logs and system files. To check disk usage:
List storage devices esxcli storage core device list Check filesystem usage df -h
4. Network Configuration
Configure virtual switches and port groups:
List network interfaces esxcli network nic list Create a virtual switch esxcli network vswitch standard add --vswitch-name=vSwitch1 esxcli network vswitch standard portgroup add --portgroup-name=VM_Network --vswitch-name=vSwitch1
5. Automating with PowerCLI (Windows)
For Windows users managing ESXi, VMware PowerCLI is useful:
Connect to ESXi host Connect-VIServer -Server <ESXi_IP> -User root -Password <password> Create a new VM New-VM -Name "TestVM" -VMHost <ESXi_IP> -Datastore "datastore1" -DiskGB 20 -MemoryGB 4 -GuestId "ubuntu64Guest"
What Undercode Say:
The return of Free ESXi 8.0 Update 3e is a game-changer for homelabs and IT enthusiasts. While it lacks enterprise features like vCenter and vMotion, it’s perfect for learning virtualization. Use Linux commands (esxcli, vim-cmd) to manage VMs, storage, and networking efficiently. For Windows admins, PowerCLI automates VM deployments. Always monitor resource usage (df -h, esxtop) to optimize performance.
Expected Output:
A fully functional, free ESXi host ready for virtualization experiments with basic enterprise-grade features.
🔗 Download ESXi 8.0 U3e: https://lnkd.in/gNF8H2S9
References:
Reported By: Aryopanjii Freeesxi – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
