However, if you're looking to use ESXi in a production environment or need more advanced features, you may need to upgrade to a paid license.
If you’re looking for a , the landscape has shifted significantly. Following the acquisition by Broadcom , the original "Free vSphere Hypervisor" was briefly discontinued, causing major ripples in the homelab community. However, as of 2026 , Broadcom has officially restored a free version of the hypervisor, specifically starting with vSphere 8.0 Update 3e . vmware esxi download free iso
This guide details exactly where to find the official download and how to navigate the new support portal to secure your ISO. Where to Download the Free VMware ESXi ISO However, if you're looking to use ESXi in
In conclusion, downloading a free VMware ESXi ISO was a straightforward process that allowed John to set up a robust virtualization platform for his company's development team. By following the steps outlined above, others can also download and install the free version of ESXi and enjoy the benefits of virtualization. However, as of 2026 , Broadcom has officially
Look specifically for VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) 8.0 or later.
John was pleased to discover that VMware offered a free version of ESXi, which would be sufficient for his team's needs. The free version, also known as the "Free Edition," offered most of the features of the paid version, with a few limitations. John was willing to accept those limitations in exchange for the cost savings.