VMware ESXi 8.0U3e Free Edition Download And Install

Here’s how you can download the latest free version of VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3 (specifically the free 8.0U3e ISO) for your home lab or testing environment:

What’s Available for Free

Broadcom has re-introduced a free edition of VMware ESXi starting with 8.0U3e This release can be downloaded free of charge from the official Broadcom Support portal after logging in.

The free version has typical limitations

• no vCenter integration
• no vMotion/DRS/HA
• limited API access

but you can run virtual machines as a standalone hypervisor.

Step-by-Step Download Guide

1. Create or Log In to a Broadcom Support Account

Go to the Broadcom Support Portal and either:

• Sign up for a free account; or
• Log in if you already have one.

You will need an account to access the free software downloads.

2. Navigate to the Free Downloads Section

Once logged in:

• Click “My Downloads”;
• Look for the link or section that says “Free Software Downloads available HERE”;
• Select VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) from the list.

3. Select the ESXi Version

Within the VMware vSphere Hypervisor downloads:

• Choose VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e (8.0U3e) this is the free version.
  • The ISO typically has a name like: VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0U3e-24677879.x86_64.iso
• Agree to the terms and conditions;
• Click the download button to save the ISO file.

4. Install and Use

After downloading:

• Create a bootable USB/CD with the ISO;
• Install ESXi on compatible hardware;
• Either the installer includes an embedded free license key, or you may see a perpetual free license applied once installed.

Important Notes

• As of early-2026, VMware ESXi 8.0 8.0U3e is the latest version officially available with a free edition, newer patch builds (like 3f, 3g, etc.) may not be visible in the free downloads section without a paid entitlement.
• The free version is primarily for non-production use (home labs, testing, training).
• It cannot be centrally managed by vCenter and lacks many enterprise features.

Summary

• Register/log in to the Broadcom Support Portal.
• Go to My Downloads – Free Software Downloads.
• Choose VMware vSphere Hypervisor – 8.0U3e.
• Download the ISO and install.