Vcenter License Key Command Line [2021]

To manage vCenter Server license keys via the command line, use or the vSphere API (via PowerShell) . There is no direct "native" Linux shell command within the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) to add licenses like there is for ESXi hosts. Using VMware PowerCLI

vCenter Server is the centralized management hub for VMware vSphere environments. While most administrators use the vSphere Client graphical interface for daily tasks, managing license keys via the command line interface (CLI) is critical for automation, host provisioning, and headless management.

$LicenseAssignmentManager = Get-View -Id 'LicenseAssignmentManager-LicenseAssignmentManager'

This advanced process generally involves: vcenter license key command line

If you are logged into a standalone ESXi host via SSH, you can view or apply licenses using the vim-cmd utility. : vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Apply License :

The VCSA includes a built-in license management utility located in /usr/lib/vmware-vpx/vpxd/ .

To delete an unused license key from the vCenter inventory database: powershell To manage vCenter Server license keys via the

The command line offers a fast, scriptable alternative for vCenter license management. For simple tasks on the VCSA, the native license_* Perl scripts work well. For hybrid environments or automation, is the recommended approach due to its consistency, API-level reliability, and cross-platform support. Always verify license keys and permissions before running removal or assignment commands in production.

The modern way to manage vCenter configuration from the command line is through the vSphere Automation API Command Line Interface ( vapi-cli ). This tool interacts directly with the vSphere REST APIs. 1. View Current License Details

Set-VMHost -VMHost "HostName" -LicenseKey "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. : powershell While most administrators use the vSphere Client graphical

vim-cmd vimsvc/license --set="XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" Use code with caution. Troubleshooting CLI License Binding Issues

Set-VMHost -VMHost $vmhost -LicenseKey '00000-00000-00000-00000-00000'

To apply a new license key directly to the host:

Adding a key to the inventory does not automatically license your infrastructure. You must explicitly bind the newly added key to the vCenter Server asset ID. 1. Locate the Asset ID