The task on the ESXi host or vCenter for the host fails with the error: "License Expired."

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• VM power ON or VM migration fails with the error: "License Expired, Check system date or install a new license".
• As per the above error, it states that the License Key is expired but the License Key is valid.
• Disconnecting/reconnecting the host to the VC also does not help.
• The issue is happening via vCenter and ESXi host client both.

Environment

• VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0.x

Cause

The host's hostd management agent is having trouble retrieving the correct license expiration date. After several retries, it ultimately considers the license expired.

Resolution

There is no permanent resolution for this issue, but it is expected to be addressed in a future release.

As a workaround, restarting the ESXi host or the hostd service can resolve the problem.