VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e now available as a Free Hypervisor
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VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e now available as a Free Hypervisor

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Article ID: 399823

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Updated On:

Products

VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

VMware has released ESXi 8.0 Update 3e as a fully supported production hypervisor—just like its predecessors such as 8.0 Update 3d, 3c, etc. This version is intended for production environments and is eligible for use with commercial vSphere licenses and support entitlements under Broadcom.

In addition to the standard production release, VMware has also made a free hypervisor version of ESXi 8.0U3e available for download. This is a standalone deployment option for users who need basic virtualization without advanced enterprise features or official Broadcom support.

It's important to note that ESXi 8.0 Update 3e is a fully production-ready release, regardless of whether it's used with a paid or free license. The key difference lies only in the type of license applied after installation—not in the software itself."

Environment

VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e

Resolution

ESXi 8.0U3e as a Production Hypervisor

  • Fully supported by Broadcom under commercial licensing.

  • Can be added to vCenter Server and managed using vSphere features like:

    • vMotion

    • High Availability (HA)

    • DRS

    • vSphere Replication

    • API-based backup and monitoring

  • Suitable for production workloads with support entitlements.

ESXi 8.0U3e as a Free Hypervisor

VMware also provides a free license option for users who install ESXi 8.0U3e but do not require vCenter integration or advanced features. This is ideal for:

  • Home labs

  • Development/testing environments

Features included in the free version:

  • Run unlimited VMs within hardware limits

  • Up to 2 physical CPUs supported per host

  • 8 vCPUs per virtual machine

  • Access to vSphere Host Client for web-based host management

  • Basic hardware health and logging

Limitations in the free license:

  • Cannot be managed by vCenter Server

  • No access to vMotion, DRS, HA, VADP-based backups

  • No official Broadcom support 

How to download Free ESXi 8.0 Update 3e:

  1. Log in to Broadcom Support Portal

  2. Go to My Downloads

  3. Click on the box that says "Free Software Downloads available HERE"

  4. Search for "VMware vSphere Hypervisor"

  5. Click "I agree to the Terms and Conditions " and download the ISO

Note:-

Once the ESXI host is installed , the hypervisor license key is embedded in the software download itself

Additional Information

Official statement can be found in VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e Release Notes