ESXi host enters evaluation mode and displays “# CPUs (up to # cores)” after ESXi upgrade
Article ID: 397543
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
After upgrading an ESXi host from one major version to another (e.g., ESXi 7.0 to ESXi 8.0), the host will automatically enter a 60-day evaluation mode. During this period, the licensing and UI behavior will temporarily reflect the full capabilities of the host hardware.
One of the changes visible in the UI is the CPU allocation display, which appears in the format: # CPUs (up to # cores)
This display is dynamically adjusted based on the host’s hardware specifications.
For example:
- A host with 32 cores may show “2 CPUs (up to 32 cores)”
- A host with 48 cores may show “3 CPUs (up to 48 cores)”
This behavior may prompt questions about licensing compliance or changes in CPU allocation.
Resolution
This is expected behavior and occurs due to the host entering evaluation mode after a major version upgrade. Once a valid license key is reapplied or reassigned to the host, the Usage display will adjust according to the purchased license. No action is required unless the evaluation period is nearing its end and a valid license has not been assigned.
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