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 failed retries, it considers the license expired.

Resolution

This issue is resolved with the release of ESXi 8.0-U3h and is referenced in the release notes (VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3h Release Notes).

Reference KB article 389204 ("License key has expired. License Expired, "Check system date or install a new license" all operation on ESXi host fails) for the full process to get it working until the environment can be patched to the fixed version.