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Some repositories host scripts that reset the 60-day evaluation period of vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA). These typically work by stopping services, deleting a timestamp file, or resetting the evaluation counter. While technically possible, this violates the VMware EULA and is unstable for production.
The VMware User Group (VMUG) offers an "Advantage" subscription. For an annual fee (roughly $200/year at the time of writing), you get a 365-day evaluation license for almost the entire VMware stack, including vCenter and vSphere Enterprise Plus.
| Method | Cost | Best for | |------------|----------|---------------| | Broadcom VMware Cloud Universal | Paid | Enterprises | | VMware vSphere+ Subscription | Paid | SMB to mid-market | | 60-day Evaluation | Free (trial) | Learning, labs, testing | | VMUG Advantage | ~$210/year | Homelab, learning (includes vCenter 8) | | Broadcom Free ESXi (no vCenter) | Free | Single host, no central management |
Recommendation for homelab: Join the VMware User Group (VMUG) – you get a full vCenter 8 license for $210/year legally.
