On February 9th, 2024, VMware announced that ESXi Free is no longer available for download. This change affects both ESXi 7.0 and ESXi 8.0 versions, and users will need to join VMUG Advantage+ or become a vExpert to access the software.
For those who may be unaware, ESXi is a free version of the VMware hypervisor that provides a lightweight, efficient, and highly scalable foundation for virtualization. It has been available as a free download from the VMware website for many years, allowing individuals and organizations to easily set up and run virtual machines without the need for a separate operating system.
However, with the latest announcement, ESXi Free is no longer being offered by VMware. This means that users who are looking to download and use ESXi will need to join VMUG Advantage+ or become a vExpert in order to access the software.
VMUG Advantage+ is a subscription-based program that provides access to a range of VMware resources, including ESXi and other vSphere products. It also includes technical support, training, and other benefits for users. Becoming a vExpert, on the other hand, requires a certain level of expertise and experience with VMware technologies, as well as a commitment to sharing knowledge and collaborating within the virtualization community.
It’s worth noting that ESXi 7.0 and ESXi 8.0 are still available for download, but only for users who have an active subscription to VMUG Advantage+ or who have become vExperts. The ISO hashes for both versions of the software are provided below:
ESXi 8.0.2.22380479 8.0U2 ISO:
* VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi ISO) image
ESXi 7.0U3n-21930508 ISO:
* VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi ISO) image
It’s important to note that these hashes are only valid until the software is removed from the VMware website, so it’s recommended to download the software as soon as possible if you need it.
Overall, this change in VMware’s policy will likely have a significant impact on the virtualization community, as ESXi Free has been a popular choice for many individuals and organizations looking to get started with virtualization. However, for those who are looking to continue using ESXi, joining VMUG Advantage+ or becoming a vExpert may be a worthwhile investment.