If you haven't already, create a VMware account by following these steps:
Terms and Conditions to enable the download button for the ISO or offline bundle. Key Limitations of the Free Version The free edition is an entry-level tier designed for learning and home labs. It carries several technical restrictions compared to paid subscriptions: 12 sites VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e now available as a Free Hypervisor Apr 2, 2026 — esxi download iso free
As of 2024, Broadcom discontinued the free vSphere Hypervisor (the standalone free license). However, you can still download the Installation ISO for free; you simply need a free account. You can use the ISO for 60 days as a trial, and after that, the host remains functional for basic management but with limited features (no vCenter, no API access to backups). For many home labbers, the "Evaluation Mode" reset trick works. If you haven't already, create a VMware account
After downloading the ESXi ISO, verify the integrity of the file by checking its checksum: However, you can still download the Installation ISO
Download the VMware Workstation Pro (now free for personal use) and run ESXi inside a VM for testing.
Before you begin, make sure you meet the following requirements:
If the Broadcom site is too confusing (it is), VMware (now Broadcom) also publishes "Offline Bundles" via public URLs. Use these at your own risk for lab only.