Adding a newly deployed host to vCenter Server fails with "License not available to perform the operation" error message
Article ID: 424711
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
When adding a newly deployed ESXi host to vCenter Server, the process may fail with the following error message:
License not available to perform the operation. The vSphere 8 Hypervisor license for "Host" does not include "vCenter agent for VMware host". Upgrade the license.
Environment
- VMware vCenter Server
- VMware vSphere ESXi
Cause
ESXi was deployed using the free version of ESXi, which includes a license that will not allow the host to be added to vCenter Server.
When a host is deployed using the licensed version of ESXi, an evaluation license is included which will allow the host to be added to vCenter until a valid license is applied.
Since the free version is deployed with a free license, an evaluation license is not installed requiring a valid license to be applied before adding the host to vCenter.
Resolution
Remove the free license and add a valid license to the ESXi host and then attempt to add the host to vCenter again:
- Login to the ESXi management interface.
- Select Manage under Host.
- Select Licensing from the top menu.
- Click on Remove license to remove the current free license.
- Select Assign license and enter a valid license key.
- Add the host to vCenter using the vSphere Client.
For future deployments, ensure the licensed version of ESXi is used to ensure the host can properly be added to vCenter.
Additional Information
For more information on the differences between the free version of ESXi and the licensed version, please see: VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e now available as a Free Hypervisor
Feedback
