9 License Key: Vmware
If you need to run an old VM created in Workstation 9, you can still open it in Workstation Player or Workstation Pro 17—they are backward compatible. You don’t need version 9 itself.
If you just want a free virtualization tool, download VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player directly from the official websites. No key hunting required.
VMware Workstation 9 lacks support for modern CPUs (beyond Intel 3rd-gen Core), NVMe drives, UEFI Secure Boot, and recent versions of Windows/Linux. It simply won’t run properly on a 2025 PC.
Downloaded keygens or cracked versions often contain malware, ransomware, or keyloggers. Cybersecurity firms consistently report that “warez” sites are a leading source of infections. Entering an unknown key from a forum post could expose your entire system.
If you tell me which exact VMware product and version (e.g., Workstation 9, ESXi 6.x, or a VMware product named “9”), I can give precise activation steps, sample CLI commands, or a checklist tailored to that product.
As of March 2025, VMware Workstation Pro is free for all users
(personal, commercial, and educational) and no longer requires a license key for current versions. However, since you specifically asked about VMware Workstation 9
, which is a legacy version from 2012, here is the relevant information on managing or finding those license keys. Finding Your Existing License Key
If you already have Workstation 9 installed and need to recover your key, you can find it using these methods: Windows Registry: Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Wow6432Node > VMware, Inc. > VMware Workstation > License.9.x.x > Serial Broadcom Support Portal: vmware 9 license key
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, older licenses are managed through the Broadcom Support Portal
. Log in with the email used for the original purchase, go to My Entitlements , and look for your specific Site ID to view legacy keys. Recovery Tools: Third-party applications like KeyFinder Plus
can scan your registry to extract lost keys for older versions like Workstation 9. Broadcom support portal Legacy Support and Compatibility
With the release of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, the "story" on license keys is that they have been officially retired. Instead of 25-character keys, VMware has shifted to a strictly subscription-based model using Broadcom-signed activation files. The Shift to File-Based Licensing
The traditional method of manually entering a license key into ESXi or vCenter no longer applies to version 9.0.
Activation Files: You must now download Broadcom-signed activation files from the Broadcom Support Portal.
Centralized Management: Licenses are managed through VCF Operations, which acts as the hub for applying and verifying these files against your subscriptions.
Usage Reporting: The system requires periodic license usage reports—typically once every 180 days—to maintain validity. Key Licensing Changes in Version 9.0
The transition to version 9.0 includes major structural changes to how you purchase and apply entitlements: If you need to run an old VM
For VMware Workstation 9, a license key is a 25-digit alpha-numeric code used to unlock the software permanently. While Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro have recently become free for personal use, commercial environments still require a valid license. Key Features of VMware Workstation 9
Windows 8 Support: Full official support for the Metro interface, including multitouch capabilities for tablets.
Nested Virtualization: Allows running 64-bit operating systems inside other hypervisors like ESXi.
USB 3.0 Support: Enables high-speed data transfers for flash drives and portable storage.
WSX Web Interface: A web-based console to access and control virtual machines from any device with a modern browser, such as smartphones or tablets.
Enhanced Graphics: Includes a display-only driver capable of rendering 3D in Windows 8 without dedicated hardware acceleration.
Quick Switch II: Adds tabs to full-screen mode, making it easier to jump between multiple VMs. Licensing & Registration Details
Compatibility: A single key works for both Windows and Linux versions of Workstation 9.
Activation: You can enter the key via Help > Enter Serial Number within the application. Evaluation/trial licenses
Support & Upgrades: Registering your key on the Broadcom Support Portal typically provides 30 days of complimentary web-based support. Modern Versions: VMware 9.0 (Enterprise)
If you are referring to the latest VMware vSphere 9 or Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, the licensing model has changed significantly following the Broadcom acquisition: Licensing in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0
The transition to VMware 9.0 (specifically VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere 9.0) marks a significant shift in licensing. The traditional 25-character license keys used in older versions have been retired in favor of a subscription-based model managed through license files. Key Licensing Changes in VMware 9.0
No More Static Keys: You no longer enter a 25-character key directly into vCenter or ESXi.
File-Based Activation: Licenses are now applied using subscription-based license files that must be cryptographically signed by Broadcom’s servers.
Per-Core Pricing: Licensing has moved to a per-core subscription model (minimum 16 cores per CPU) rather than per-socket perpetual keys.
Centralized Management: All licensing for version 9.0 must be managed through VCF Operations (formerly Aria Operations). How to License Your VMware 9 Environment
To activate your software, follow these steps through the Broadcom Support Portal: Licensing in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0
I understand you're looking for information about VMware Workstation 9 license keys. However, I must clarify something important before providing a helpful article.
VMware Workstation 9 is a legacy product (released in 2012). VMware no longer supports it, and searching for "license keys" online often leads to pirated or invalid keys, which are illegal and unsafe. Instead, I'll provide a comprehensive article about legitimate licensing, why you should avoid unauthorized keys, and better alternatives.