VMware ESXi Free Once again with 8.0U3e! And How to Download it!

VMware ESXi is free again! Yes, you heard that right. With the release of VMware vSphere 8.0 Update 3E, Broadcom has quietly brought back the free ESXi hypervisor, and it’s available for download right now. This is a massive shift from what we thought was the end of an era, so let’s dive into what’s going on, why this might be happening, and how you can get your hands on it. Grab a coffee, and let’s explore this exciting development in the world of virtualization.

A Surprise Comeback for ESXi

If you’ve been following the virtualization scene, you know the past year has been a rollercoaster for VMware users. When Broadcom acquired VMware, one of the most shocking moves was their decision to discontinue the free ESXi hypervisor. For home labbers, small businesses, and enthusiasts, this was a gut punch. ESXi’s free version had been a staple for years, letting people experiment, learn, and build without breaking the bank. The community scrambled for alternatives like Proxmox, XCP-ng, and Hyper-V, but nothing quite filled the void left by ESXi.

Then, out of nowhere, whispers started circulating on platforms like X and tech forums. Could it be true? Was ESXi free again? At first, it seemed like a prank—maybe an April Fool’s joke that missed the mark by a couple of weeks. But a quick check of the official VMware vSphere 8.0 Update 3E release notes confirmed it: “Broadcom makes available the VMware vSphere Hypervisor version 8, an entry-level hypervisor you can download free of charge from the Broadcom support portal.” No fanfare, no big announcement—just a quiet return that’s got everyone buzzing.

This is a 180-degree turn from Broadcom’s earlier stance, and it’s got the community asking: What’s the deal? Why now? And how do we get in on this? Let’s break it all down, starting with how you can download this newly free ESXi hypervisor and what makes it so special.

How to Download VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3E for Free

Getting your hands on the free ESXi hypervisor is surprisingly straightforward, and you don’t need a fancy support contract or a secret handshake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Head to the Broadcom Support Portal
   Broadcom hosts the download on their support portal, and you’ll need an account to access it. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet—signing up is free and doesn’t require any paid subscriptions. If you’ve got an existing VMware or Broadcom account, that’ll work too.
2. Navigate to the Free Downloads Section
   Once you’re logged in, look for the “Free Downloads” section. You’ll find a link specifically for the VMware vSphere Hypervisor. Click it, and you’ll be taken to a page listing the available versions.
3. Select VMware vSphere Hypervisor 8.0 Update 3E
   The page will show the latest release, which is 8.0 Update 3E. This is the version with the free hypervisor, and it’s the only one currently offered for free download. You won’t see older versions here, as they don’t include the embedded license that makes this release special.
4. Download the ISO File
   Click the hyperlink for 8.0 Update 3E, and you’ll land on the download page. Look for the cloud icon next to the ISO file—that’s your ticket to the hypervisor. If it’s your first time downloading, you might need to accept a license agreement. Just check the box, agree to the terms, and you’re good to go. The ISO file will start downloading, and you’ll have the full ESXi installer ready to roll.
5. No License Key Needed
   Here’s the best part: unlike the old free ESXi, this version comes with an embedded license. That means you don’t need to hunt down a license key or jump through hoops to activate it. Just install it, and you’re ready to start virtualizing.

The whole process is smoother than it was back in the VMware days. On the old VMware site, getting the free edition often felt like navigating a maze—register here, verify there, wait for a key. Broadcom’s portal, for all its quirks, makes this a breeze. Once you’ve got the ISO, you can burn it to a USB drive or mount it directly to install ESXi on your server or lab machine.

What’s Included in the Free ESXi Hypervisor?

So, what do you get with this free version of ESXi 8.0 Update 3E? Broadcom has restored all the features that made the original free ESXi so beloved. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in the box:

• Full Hypervisor Functionality: ESXi 8.0 Update 3E supports all the core virtualization features you’d expect, including running multiple virtual machines (VMs) with various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and more.
• Embedded License: No need to manually apply a license key. The free hypervisor comes pre-activated, so you can start using it right away.
• vSphere Compatibility: While the free ESXi is standalone, it’s built on the same vSphere 8.0 platform, so you’re getting a modern, robust hypervisor with the latest updates.
• Home Lab Friendly: This version is perfect for enthusiasts running small setups, with support for a wide range of hardware (though you’ll want to check the VMware Hardware Compatibility List for specifics).
• No Feature Caps: Unlike some free hypervisors that limit CPU, RAM, or VM counts, ESXi’s free version lets you max out your hardware’s potential (within reason).

One thing to note: this is the standalone ESXi hypervisor, not the full vSphere suite. You won’t get advanced features like vCenter, high availability (HA), or distributed resource scheduler (DRS). But for home labs, small businesses, or learning environments, the free ESXi has everything you need to spin up VMs and experiment.

Why Did Broadcom Bring Back Free ESXi?

Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: Why the sudden change of heart? Broadcom’s decision to kill off free ESXi last year didn’t exactly win them any popularity contests. The move alienated a huge chunk of the VMware community, especially home lab users and small businesses who relied on the free hypervisor to learn, test, and innovate. So, what’s driving this reversal? While Broadcom hasn’t spilled the beans, we can piece together some educated guesses based on what’s been happening.

1. Community Backlash and Goodwill

The VMware community is passionate, vocal, and influential. When Broadcom axed free ESXi, the backlash was swift. Forums, X posts, and blog articles lit up with frustration, and many users started exploring open-source alternatives. This wasn’t just about losing a free tool—it was about losing trust in a company that had long championed accessibility.

Home labbers aren’t just hobbyists; they’re often IT pros who use ESXi in their day jobs. They blog about it, train others, and advocate for VMware in enterprise settings. Shutting them out risked turning a loyal fanbase into critics. Bringing back free ESXi feels like a peace offering—a way to rebuild goodwill and show the community that Broadcom is listening.

2. Competitive Pressure

The virtualization market isn’t what it used to be. A decade ago, VMware was the undisputed king, but today, competitors like Proxmox, XCP-ng, and even Microsoft’s Hyper-V are gaining ground. These platforms offer free or low-cost options that appeal to budget-conscious users. By removing free ESXi, Broadcom inadvertently pushed users toward these alternatives, and many liked what they found.

Reintroducing a free ESXi hypervisor is a strategic move to keep VMware in the game. It’s a way to say, “Hey, you don’t need to switch—we’ve got a free option too.” For students, educators, and small businesses, this could be enough to keep them in the VMware ecosystem.

3. Long-Term Business Strategy

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware came with big changes, including a shift toward subscription-based licensing and a focus on enterprise customers. But enterprises aren’t the only ones who matter. Many IT pros get their start in home labs, using free tools to learn the ropes. If those tools are locked behind paywalls, VMware risks losing the next generation of users.

By offering a free ESXi hypervisor, Broadcom is investing in the future. They’re betting that home labbers who cut their teeth on ESXi will carry that familiarity into their workplaces, recommending VMware over competitors. It’s a long game, but it’s one that could pay off by keeping VMware relevant in a crowded market.

4. Easing Certification Frustrations

Another sore point for the community was Broadcom’s decision to tie evaluation licenses to certifications. Want to test VMware’s paid features? Better pass an exam first. For some, this was a reasonable ask, but for others—especially self-taught IT folks or those short on time—it felt like an unnecessary hurdle.

The return of free ESXi sidesteps this issue entirely. You don’t need a certification, a support contract, or even a credit card to get started. It’s a return to the open, accessible VMware that so many fell in love with.

What Does This Mean for the Virtualization Community?

The return of free ESXi is more than just a cool freebie—it’s a signal that Broadcom might be rethinking its approach to the VMware ecosystem. Here’s why this matters:

• Home Labs Are Back in Business: For enthusiasts, this is a golden opportunity to fire up ESXi in their labs without worrying about licensing costs. Whether you’re running a single server or a cluster of old PCs, ESXi 8.0 Update 3E has you covered.
• Learning and Certification Prep: Aspiring IT pros can use free ESXi to study for VMware certifications like the VCP-DCV (VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization). It’s a hands-on way to learn vSphere without shelling out for a paid license.
• Small Business Wins: For startups or small shops, free ESXi is a budget-friendly way to run critical workloads, from file servers to virtual desktops.
• Community Momentum: A thriving community drives innovation. By giving users a free hypervisor, Broadcom is empowering bloggers, YouTubers, and forum posters to share tutorials, configs, and ideas, keeping VMware in the spotlight.

But let’s not get too starry-eyed just yet. This is a great first step, but Broadcom has more work to do if they want to fully win back the community’s trust. The certification requirements for evaluation licenses, for example, are still a sticking point for some. And while free ESXi is awesome, it’s only one piece of the puzzle—tools like vCenter and advanced features remain out of reach for most home users.

Comparing Free ESXi to the Alternatives

With free ESXi back in the picture, how does it stack up against other free hypervisors? Let’s take a quick look at some popular options to see where ESXi shines and where it might fall short.

VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3E

• Pros: Industry-standard hypervisor, robust performance, wide hardware compatibility, embedded license, no feature caps for free use.
• Cons: Standalone only (no vCenter), limited to basic management via the ESXi web UI, Broadcom’s portal can be clunky.
• Best For: Home labs, learning VMware, small businesses with simple virtualization needs.

Proxmox VE

• Pros: Open-source, includes clustering and HA for free, built-in backup tools, supports both KVM and LXC containers.
• Cons: Steeper learning curve for VMware users, smaller community, less enterprise adoption.
• Best For: Open-source enthusiasts, users who want advanced features without licensing costs.

XCP-ng

• Pros: Based on XenServer, open-source, supports Xen Orchestra for advanced management, active community.
• Cons: Less polished UI than ESXi, smaller ecosystem, some features require Xen Orchestra setup.
• Best For: Xen fans, users looking for a free alternative with enterprise potential.

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

• Pros: Free from Microsoft, tight Windows integration, solid for Windows-based workloads.
• Cons: Limited Linux support, no GUI by default, less flexible than ESXi for diverse VMs.
• Best For: Microsoft shops, Windows-heavy environments.

ESXi’s biggest strength is its maturity and ubiquity. It’s the hypervisor you’re most likely to encounter in enterprise settings, so learning it gives you a leg up professionally. But if you need clustering, HA, or container support out of the box, Proxmox or XCP-ng might still be worth a look. The good news? With ESXi free again, you can experiment with multiple platforms and find what works best for you.

Tips for Getting Started with ESXi 8.0 Update 3E

Ready to dive into ESXi? Here are some practical tips to hit the ground running:

1. Check Hardware Compatibility
   Before you install, visit VMware’s Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) to ensure your server or PC is supported. ESXi is picky about network and storage controllers, so a quick check can save you headaches. If your hardware isn’t listed, community drivers (like those from the ESXi Customizer tool) might help, but proceed with caution.
2. Plan Your Storage
   ESXi needs a dedicated disk or USB drive for installation, plus storage for your VMs. Local disks, NAS, or SANs all work, but make sure your storage controller is supported. RAID setups are great for redundancy, but ESXi doesn’t include software RAID, so you’ll need a hardware RAID controller or a third-party solution.
3. Start Small
   If you’re new to ESXi, begin with a single VM running something simple, like Ubuntu or Windows Server. Get a feel for the web-based management interface (the ESXi Host Client) before spinning up complex workloads.
4. Learn the Basics of Networking
   ESXi uses virtual switches (vSwitches) to connect VMs to your network. Take some time to understand standard vs. distributed switches and how port groups work. A misconfigured network can leave your VMs stranded.
5. Back Up Your Config
   ESXi’s configuration is stored on the boot device, so it’s wise to back it up. Use the esxcli command or the Host Client’s “Export Configuration” option to save your settings in case of a failure.
6. Join the Community
   The VMware community is a goldmine of knowledge. Check out forums like Reddit’s r/homelab or r/vmware, follow X accounts like @VMware or @vSphere, and read blogs for tips and tricks. You’ll find plenty of folks eager to help.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for VMware?

The return of free ESXi is a big win, but it’s also a moment to reflect on where VMware is headed. Broadcom’s acquisition brought a lot of uncertainty, and while this move is encouraging, there’s still room for improvement. Here are a few things I’d love to see from Broadcom moving forward:

• Simplify Evaluation Access: Drop the certification requirement for evaluation licenses. Let users test the full vSphere suite without jumping through hoops—it’s the best way to showcase VMware’s power.
• Engage the Community: Host AMAs, sponsor hackathons, or create a dedicated home lab program. Show the community you value their passion and contributions.
• Keep ESXi Free Forever: Make free ESXi a permanent fixture, not a limited-time offer. Consistency builds trust, and trust keeps users loyal.
• Innovate for Home Labs: Offer a lightweight, affordable vCenter option for enthusiasts, or bundle advanced features into a home lab license. Give hobbyists a reason to stick with VMware beyond the free tier.

For now, though, let’s celebrate this victory. Free ESXi is back, and it’s a chance to rediscover what made VMware great in the first place: a platform that’s powerful, accessible, and community-driven.

Real-World Use Cases for Free ESXi

Wondering how you can put free ESXi to work? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Home Lab Playground: Build a lab to test new software, learn networking, or practice for certifications. Run VMs for Active Directory, Docker, or even a Kubernetes cluster.
• Media Server: Host a Plex or Jellyfin server in a VM, with ESXi managing storage and network traffic for smooth streaming.
• Development Environment: Create isolated VMs for coding, testing apps, or simulating production environments. Spin up and tear down VMs as needed without touching your main PC.
• Small Business IT: Run a file server, web server, or email server for a small office. ESXi’s stability ensures your services stay up, even on a tight budget.
• Education and Training: Set up a classroom lab for students to learn virtualization, networking, or cybersecurity. ESXi’s free price tag makes it perfect for schools and nonprofits.

The possibilities are endless, and with ESXi’s flexibility, you can tailor it to your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist, a pro, or somewhere in between.

Final Thoughts

The return of free VMware ESXi is a moment to celebrate. It’s a nod to the community that’s kept VMware thriving for decades, and it’s a reminder that even big corporations can change course when they hear their users loud and clear. VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3E is more than just a free download—it’s a gateway to learning, experimenting, and building the future of IT.

If you’re a home labber, a small business owner, or just someone curious about virtualization, now’s the perfect time to give ESXi a spin. Download it, fire it up, and see what you can create. And if you’re feeling inspired, share your setups, configs, or crazy lab stories with the community—because that’s what keeps this ecosystem alive.

So, what do you think about Broadcom’s surprise move? Are you downloading ESXi today, or are you sticking with another hypervisor? Whatever your take, one thing’s for sure: the virtualization world just got a whole lot more exciting.