For Windows/Linux with VMware PowerCLI installed, combine commands:
Connect-VIServer -Server vcenter.domain.com
Connect-VIServer -Server $vcServer
# Via VCSA CLI
/usr/lib/vmware-vpx/vpxd/perl/cli/bin/license_list
$license = New-VMLicense -LicenseKey "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" vcenter license key command line
| Feature | CLI (PowerCLI) | GUI (vSphere Client) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Speed | Fast for bulk operations. | Slow for bulk operations. |
| Visibility | Text-based; requires filtering. | Visual graphs and clear status indicators. |
| Risk | High risk of typos (applying wrong key). | Low risk (dropdown menus). |
| Audit | Excellent (can export to CSV/HTML). | Manual copy-paste required. |
| Automation| Native support via scripts. | None (manual clicks only). | For Windows/Linux with VMware PowerCLI installed