VMware Workstation 17 Pro (WS17-PRO-C) purchased in 2023, cannot see info in migrated account, how to purchase/upgrade, other questions?

[vmware_usr7]

I currently own a VMware Workstation 17 Pro license for SKU "WS17-PRO-C." It cost $199 in April 2023 and I think it's a perpetual license. 

Some time ago, I performed all steps outlined by VMware/Broadcom to prepare for account migration. When I log in today, it did not use MFA (but I set it up before... as part of migration prep... but not sure why it's not being used... I don't see security options either, just a few profile fields).

Today, I started VMware Workstation 17 Pro, clicked to check updates, it showed me there is an update from my current 17.5.2 to 17.6.

I clicked "Get More Information," was redirected to store.cloudvista.com. I see "VMware Workstation App" for $120 subscription. I had to click around for that, not sure if that's the right upgrade path. Anyone know?

When I log into my VMware (Broadcom) account, I cannot see any of my purchase history or existing license or downloads. 

I realize there's a free Pro version but I use my VMware for a small amount of business... very tiny... meaning I demo software occasionally or use it for professional development. I do not make any profit (yet) from my use of VMware but since the usage is partially business, it seems a free version cannot be used. 

I wonder if there are many other Pro users such as myself who might benefit from some clarification re the above. Anyway, I would like to find out which path I should I take. I assume the $120/year subscription but not 100% certain. 

I'm curious, with this new subscription model, what happens after a Pro paid subscription expires? Does Pro just stop working right away? 

Thanks for any hints or tips on the above!!

[John Corrigan]

I'm in a similar boat, except I purchased VMWare Workstation Pro in May of this year through Broadcom.

[vmware_usr7]

If you have a 4 month old Pro $199 purchase, you are certainly still eligible for updates. You do not get a direct or automatic offer via the VMware app to update to 17.6? I went to portal for paid version but it said I cannot click due to no Entitlements... but my license is 1+ years old... yours should show an available update at the very least. (I'm guessing.)

[John Corrigan]

After unsuccesfully trying to use the chatbot or to create a ticket online, I called support. Maybe you need to do the same...

[Henryk Golebiowski]

Did the support help you?

[John Corrigan]

Yes.

I was able to download same day that I called.

After the weekend, I was able to see my entitlements and product key.

[TomRBerg]

Sadly a number of people who bought 17 struggle with this. It seems best to contact support, either by phone or chat. 

[John Corrigan]

Probably need to call. Getting through to a live person seems to be blocked until access is authorized. In my case, I tried multiple time over several months. a ten minute call got things rolling.

[kasper]

Once again, the personal version is FREE.   Unfortunately your timing was bad.   But I have been buying it for years.

And it is now free for personal use.

[Joe Tan]

"Today, I started VMware Workstation 17 Pro, clicked to check updates, it showed me there is an update from my current 17.5.2 to 17.6. I clicked "Get More Information," was redirected to store.cloudvista.com."... is the exact thing that happened to me within a few minutes of this writing but refused to browse around cloudvista, still struggling to navigate the broadcom website for the upgrade to even see if the fee is legit ?.  

[John Corrigan]

If you already have 17.5, then I think that the upgrade to 17.6 should be free. If you are not using it for business, then 17.6 is free. I had to CALL support to get my account setup completed. If it is free for you and you can find the download for the personal version, you should be able to use that. You can then enter your license key directly into Workstation.