If vpxd-license.sh fails, restart the vCenter service using service-control --restart vpxd .
Before executing licensing commands, ensure you meet the following requirements:
For VMware administrators, the vSphere Client is the standard go-to. However, when you’re managing headless ESXi hosts, automating deployments, or recovering a vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) that has lost its web interface, knowing how to handle licenses via the command line is a lifesaver.
To view, add, or manage licenses, you will use the vapi service wrapper or issue direct API payload requests using curl against the local licensing endpoint. vcenter license key command line
$licenseData = New-Object VMware.VimAutomation.License.Types.LicenseData $licenseKeyEntry = New-Object Vmware.VimAutomation.License.Types.LicenseKeyEntry $licenseKeyEntry.TypeId = "vmware-vsphere" $licenseKeyEntry.LicenseKey = "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX"
(Not directly useful – prefer PowerCLI)
The vim-cmd utility is an and does not exist inside the vCenter Server Appliance shell. If you need to license individual ESXi hosts directly from their respective command lines (without vCenter), use the following syntax on the specific host: 1. View current host license: vim-cmd vimsvc/license --show Use code with caution. 2. Assign a new host license key: If vpxd-license
Because vCenter stores its configuration in a PostgreSQL database, you can query the assigned license directly if the services are down:
Use the licensing CLI utility:
This comprehensive guide covers every key scenario you'll encounter, from adding and assigning license keys to diagnosing issues and performing large-scale deployments. To view, add, or manage licenses, you will
Alternatively, you can use the low-level LicenseManager API for more control:
Once the key is in the inventory, use the LicenseAssignmentManager to assign it to the vCenter instance. : powershell
If PowerCLI is unavailable, you can manage licenses directly from the vCenter Server Appliance via SSH using the built-in directory service commands ( dir-cli ). Enable and Access SSH Connect to your VCSA via an SSH client (like PuTTY). Log in as root . Type shell to enter the BASH interface if prompted. Query License Information via dir-cli