Can I install 17.5.1 without a license

[Naan Kaufman]

Hello,

I have been using WS-15 and had planned to upgrade to WS-17.

To that end i downloaded VMware-workstation-full-17.5.1-23298084.exe from VMware site last year but never did get a chance to upgrade.
Now it seems WS Pro is free.
Am unable to download newer version 17.6.3 as I am stuck in Verification loop.

Wondering if I can install 17.5.1 and upgrade through the app OR will this 17.5.1 being an old install file will ask for Key which I don't have.

Thanks,

[Prajakta Malla]

Hi

WS 17.6.2 onwards, Workstation Pro is free, and no license/subscription key is required. WS 17.5.1 is an older and not a free one. It requires a key. Direct software update from version 17.5.1 to version 17.6.x is not feasible via software updates.  However, you can use WS 17.5.1 for the trial period.

Thanks

[Naan Kaufman]

Hello - thanks for your response. I think WS 17.5.2 does not need a Key/License either, isn't it?

[Technogeezer]

When installing 17.5.2, answer as if you are using it for personal use. You do not need a license key. Even if using for commercial purposes, your are in compliance with Broadcom's latest licensing for Workstation when answering for personal use. Broadcom changed their licensing policy after 17.5.2 but included 17.5.2 in their new policy. They didn't change the product to eliminate the licensing questions entirely until 17.6.2. 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[RaSystemlord]

Mostly: no.

You can get 17.5.2 from "anywhere". Just google and get it from your favorite place. It is free for all use.

You cannot Upgrade anything - there is no such thing anymore - only uninstall and install. If you planning to use a newer version than 17.5.2 - check out this Forum first and decide whether you want to go for a newer version. I wouldn't and I haven't. The security updates may have something, but if you have VMs in NAT for a specific use, which doesn't include internet browsing, they made not mean a thing. It also depends which OS's you are running, secure or non-secure.

[Technogeezer]

You can get 17.5.2 from "anywhere". Just google and get it from your favorite place. It is free for all use.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. And your statement isn't 100% accurate.

Yes, Workstation is available without a license fee. But that does not automatically mean "you can download it from anywhere". 

Workstation is proprietary software and is subject to legalities around its distribution. Broadcom requires registration for download so they can tick off the check boxes for those legalities. Also by downloading from Broadcom they get an idea of how many users they are for the product.

Broadcom does not post the software anywhere but on their web site. Any other source should be treated with caution as third parties not associated with Broadcom have  posted it on those sites. There's no guarantee that it's the real thing because Broadcom doesn't give you the checksums of the official product anywhere else but the support portal. 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[Naan Kaufman]

"Any other source should be treated with caution as third parties not associated with Broadcom have  posted it on those sites. There's no guarantee that it's the real thing because Broadcom doesn't give you the checksums of the official product anywhere else but the support portal. "

Broadcom does provide checksums of WS 17.5.2 and newer on their site. 
If only they would improve the Verification step on their site. I'm stuck in a loop. 

[Technogeezer]

I stand corrected on the checksums. Thanks. I amend my advice to check any third party site downloads against the official key  

i do agree that the verification process is a nightmare with a call to Broadcom usually the only way to get those issues fixed. I've brought this up to Broadcom as an frequently seen issue here in the forums and will see what they have to say. 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[Naan Kaufman]

Well, if Broadcom had their act together then this post would never have existed.

It's the lack of service from Broadcom that is leading people to download from third-party sites.