How to use the vSAN License on the vSAN cluster

Products

• VMware vSAN
• VMware vSAN 7.x
• VMware vSAN 8.x

Issue/Introduction

This KB explains the correct method to apply the vSAN license to the vSAN cluster.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 6.x

VMware vCenter Server 7.x
VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

Most of the time there is a scenario, where customer is unable to apply the vSAN license as they are trying to assign the license from  vCenter > Configure > Licensing.

vSAN license cannot be assigned from the vCenter level as, vSAN is cluster level feature.

Resolution

There are methods for assigning vSAN license:

1. vSAN Cluster level.

Select the vSAN cluster and >then Configure tab> choose License from the left tab> On the right side you would see the Assign option.

• Navigate to your vSAN cluster.
• Click Configure tab.
• Under Licensing, select vSAN Cluster.
• Click Assign License.
• Select an existing license and click OK. OR
• Update the new License details and click OK.

Configure License Settings for a vSAN Cluster

If you have upgraded the vSphere/ vCenter then use the updated License keys accordingly. 

Method1

2. vSphere Administration level:

Under Administration > Licensing > Licenses > Assets > VSAN Clusters > Assign license.

• Click the Hamburger Button [Three lines on the left corner] > Administration.
• Navigate to left panel > select Licenses under Licensing
• Click Assets
• Select VSAN Clusters under Assets.
• Click Assign license
• Select an existing license and click OK. OR
• Update the new License details and click OK

Method 2 

Additional Information

Note: The vSAN witness appliance is deployed from an OVA file and includes an embedded vSphere license, which does not need to be purchased separately. However, the underlying host server that the vSAN witness appliance is deployed on still requires a vSphere license.