The Root of the Problem: License Desynchronization After the Transition to Broadcom
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, many SysAdmins have reported issues with vCenter and ESXi licenses. The main problem arises from the desynchronization between the new subscription-based licenses assigned in the Broadcom portal and the license inventory in vCenter Server. This causes hosts to enter Evaluation Mode or display invalid license alerts.
Step by Step: How to Reactivate Your License Keys
1. Access the Broadcom Support Portal
First, you need to obtain the new license keys from the Broadcom portal. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the Broadcom support portal.
- Navigate to the license management section.
- Download the keys associated with your account.
2. Synchronize the Licenses in vSphere Client
Once you have the new keys, follow these steps to synchronize them in your vSphere environment:
- Log in to the vSphere Client.
- Navigate to Menu > Administration > Licensing.
- Select the Add License option and enter the new key.
- Assign the license to the affected hosts from the host configuration section.
3. Verify the License Status
Finally, make sure the licenses are active and the hosts have exited Evaluation Mode. To do this:
- Check the license status under the host's Configure > Licensing tab.
- Confirm there are no alerts or errors related to the licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to restart the hosts to apply the license changes?
No, license changes in vSphere Client are applied in real time and do not require restarting the hosts.
What should I do if I can’t find my keys in the Broadcom portal?
If you can't find your keys, contact
Broadcom technical support for assistance.
How can I avoid future licensing issues after the migration?
Keep your contact information and asset assignments up to date in the Broadcom portal. Periodically check the status of your licenses in vSphere Client.
