Vcenter License Key Command Line Updated · Extended & Direct

While vCenter management is primarily handled through the vSphere Client GUI, you can view and manage license keys using the command line through VMware PowerCLI. There isn't a direct "native" Linux shell command on the vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) itself to just output license keys; instead, you interact with the vCenter API via PowerShell. vCenter License Management via PowerCLI

To use these commands, you must first connect to your vCenter Server from a machine with PowerCLI installed:Connect-VIServer -Server

Get-VCLicense: Displays comprehensive information about the current license, including the License Key, product edition, and expiration date.

Get-VCLicense -Status: Specifically shows the license status, such as the number of licensed CPUs versus used CPUs.

Get-VCLicense -Feature: Lists the specific features enabled by the active license (e.g., vSphere Enterprise vs. Standard).

Set-VMHost -LicenseKey: Used to assign a specific license key to a managed ESXi host from the command line. Informative Features of Command Line Licensing

Managing licenses via the command line provides several technical advantages over the GUI:

Audit & Export: You can script the retrieval of license keys from multiple vCenter instances simultaneously to create an environment-wide audit report.

Automation: During CLI-based deployments of the vCenter Server Appliance, you can pre-configure license keys using JSON templates, ensuring the appliance is licensed immediately upon first boot.

Bulk Assignment: PowerCLI allows you to apply a single license key to all hosts within a specific cluster in one command, rather than clicking through each host individually. Native vCSA Terminal Alternative

If you are logged directly into the vCenter Server Appliance via SSH, you can sometimes find historical deployment information in configuration files or by querying the internal database, but using the PowerCLI Get-VCLicense cmdlet is the official and most reliable method for viewing active keys. Command to get license key information of a host | PowerCLI vcenter license key command line

To manage vCenter Server license keys via the command line, use VMware PowerCLI 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

PowerCLI is the standard method for automating license management. You must first connect to your vCenter Server before running these commands. Add a new license key to the inventory: powershell

# Replace with your actual license key $licenseKey = "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" $si = Get-View ServiceInstance $licenseMgr = Get-View $si.Content.LicenseManager $licenseMgr.AddLicense($licenseKey, $null) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard This adds the key to the global vCenter license pool. Assign a license to the vCenter Server itself: powershell

$assignmentMgr = Get-View $licenseMgr.LicenseAssignmentManager $assignmentMgr.UpdateAssignedLicense($si.Content.About.InstanceUuid, $licenseKey, $null) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

This links the previously added key to the specific vCenter instance. View current license information: powershell Get-VCLicense Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

This displays the current edition, key, and expiration date. Important Notes

ESXi Comparison: While standalone ESXi hosts use the vim-cmd vimsvc/license --set=KEY command via SSH, this command is not used to license a vCenter Server.

Automation: For advanced automation, such as adding licenses with custom labels, experts often use scripts that interact with the vSphere Managed Object Browser (MOB) via PowerShell.

Verification: After running CLI commands, you can verify the status in the vSphere Client under Administration > Licensing > Licenses. How to Configure License Settings for Your vCenter Server

Managing vCenter license keys via the command line is primarily achieved through VMware PowerCLI While vCenter management is primarily handled through the

, rather than the standard vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) local bash shell. While the vSphere Client is the standard graphical method, command-line tools are essential for bulk operations and automation. virtualizationdojo.com Primary Command Line Methods PowerCLI (Recommended)

: This is the most robust command-line method for managing licenses across your environment. View Licenses Get-VCLicense (for PowerCLI 6.5+) or Get-License

for older versions to see license keys, editions, and expiration dates. Check Status Get-VCLicense -Status provides details on licensed and used CPUs. List Host Keys Get-VMHost | Select Name, LicenseKey to see keys assigned to individual ESXi hosts. Automation : Experts like William Lam

provide scripts to automate adding licenses with custom labels. vcenter_license

module allows you to programmatically add or remove license keys from a vCenter instance. Spiceworks Community ESXi Host vs. vCenter Licensing

It is important to distinguish between licensing an individual host and the vCenter Server itself: Standalone ESXi Hosts : You can directly set a license key using the utility via SSH: Set License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --set=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX View License vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Managed Hosts

: Once a host is managed by vCenter, it is recommended to use the vSphere Client

or PowerCLI to ensure the vCenter inventory remains synchronized. Broadcom TechDocs Key Considerations VMWARE VCenter en Vsphere evaluation mode license.

4. Replace (Update) an Expiring License

Instead of removing then adding, use --replace:

vcenter.license.replace --license <OLD_KEY> --new-license <NEW_KEY>

This swaps the license on all currently assigned assets (hosts, clusters, vCenter itself). This swaps the license on all currently assigned

Connecting to vCenter

Before running license commands, a session must be established.

Connect-VIServer -Server vcenter.example.com -User administrator@vsphere.local

Conclusion

While vCenter Server’s graphical interface suffices for routine tasks, command-line license management offers speed, repeatability, and integration with configuration management tools. PowerCLI stands out as the most practical and powerful option for Windows-based administrators, whereas curl API access suits Linux-native automation. Understanding these command-line methods ensures IT teams can respond swiftly to licensing changes, audits, and scaling demands in virtualized data centers. Always test license commands in a non-production environment first, as incorrect assignments can temporarily disrupt virtual machine operations.

Add a license key

vim-cmd vimsvc/license/add <LICENSE_KEY>

3. Assign a License to a vCenter Instance

Each vCenter system itself (not just hosts) requires a license.

vcenter.license.assign --license <LICENSE_KEY> --system <vCenter_UUID>

How to find the vCenter UUID:

vcenter.system.info

Look for id in the output.

Example:

vcenter.license.assign --license 12345-67890-ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO --system a1234567-b89c-12d3-e456-789012345678

To assign a license to all hosts in a datacenter or cluster (requires --asset-type):

vcenter.license.assign --license <KEY> --asset-type Host --cluster <Cluster_Name>

2. Add a New License

esxcli software license add --license-key="XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX"

Mastering vCenter License Management: The Definitive Guide to Command Line Key Installation

In the world of virtual infrastructure management, vCenter Server acts as the central nervous system for VMware environments. While the vSphere Client (Web UI) provides a convenient graphical interface for managing licenses, enterprise environments often demand speed, automation, and remote capabilities. This is where the vCenter license key command line becomes indispensable.

Whether you are a seasoned system administrator or a DevOps engineer managing hundreds of hosts, understanding how to assign, check, and replace licenses via the command line can save hours of manual clicking and enable true infrastructure-as-code practices.

This article will dive deep into every aspect of managing vCenter license keys using the command line, focusing on the vSphere CLI (vCLI) , PowerCLI, and the SSH shell on the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA).