Now for the good news. You can achieve the same (or better) lifestyle and entertainment without touching an illegal license key. Here’s your roadmap.
Given the recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, many "lifestyle" and home-lab users are migrating to open-source alternatives to avoid licensing complexity: vmware esxi 9 license key github hot
You don’t need a $10,000 server. Buy used enterprise gear: Now for the good news
Historically, VMware offered a free ESXi version with limitations (max 8 vCPUs per VM, no vCenter). With Broadcom’s takeover, this may change. As of early 2025, check Broadcom’s website. You might still get a free license key—legally—by registering on their portal. It’s not “ESXi 9” yet, but ESXi 8.0 Update 3 is incredibly powerful for a home lab. no vCenter). With Broadcom’s takeover