If you are using key-based licensing for a VI workload domain, you can use the SDDC Manager UI to convert key-based licenses to keyless from VMware Cloud subscription.

You can convert licenses for:

  • vCenter Server (VI workload domain to subscription mode must be 7.0U3h)
  • VMware NSX
  • vSAN
  • ESXi

License conversion is specific to the selected VI workload domain, and for the license(s) to successfully convert, the management domain must be:

  • running VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.2 components,
  • cloud-connected by using Cloud Gateway, and
  • subscribed to VCF+.

Prerequisites

Important: Changing the licensing mode of a VI workload domain from a key-based license to keyless from VMware Cloud subscription is irreversible. You will lose your existing license keys, and you cannot switch back to using a key-based license later.

A keyed license key must already exist the SDDC Manager inventory. See Add a License Key.

All VI workload domains that share an NSX Manager instance should be in the same licensing mode.

Procedure

  1. In the navigation pane, click Inventory > Workload Domains.
  2. Click a VI workload domain name in the Domain column.
  3. Click ACTIONS and select Convert to subscription.
    The workload domain action dropdown presents an option to convert the perpetual license to a subscription.
  4. Click CONFIRM to change the license mode of this VI workload domain.
    License Mode successfully updates from keyed to keyless from VMware Cloud.