VMWare Workstation Pro 17 - installed using new download for personal use - still showing Commercial Licence

[Eiken]

I was previously on a 1 year VMUG Advantage evaluation license for Workstation Pro 17 which was slated to expire mid 2025. 

After I read the news that VMWare workstation Pro will now be free for Personal use, I went to download the latest installer and installed over my existing copy of Workstation Pro 17.

When I launch the product, I still see it stating that it's on the Commercial License and it still has an expiry date on it.

I've tried uninstalling it and selected the remove "Product license information" before installing it again

Still seeing the same issue - what's happening?

Am I now forever stuck with only using Commercial Licenses? Is Workstation Pro just going to stop working after Jun 2025 and will I be forever stuck in this loop of needing a Commercial License?

Any help is appreciated.

[Vladim r Bele]

I have same problem - after NEW instalation i look to this screen.

I need help about this - i need for my house small server with few linux machines and that is problem for me. All machines i have prepared on my laptop and i need migrate to new tini server - but 30 day expiration period is a bad for me. I thing if home personal use and that is showing commercial licence - but i download workstation from broadcom web from as workstation personal use.

[Vladim r Bele]

I need help about this - i need for my house small server with few linux machines and that is problem for me. All machines i have prepared on my laptop and i need migrate to new tini server - but 30 day expiration period is a bad for me. I thing if home personal use and that is showing commercial licence - but i download workstation from broadcom web from as workstation personal use.

[[e-mail]]

HI Eiken

Maybe if you uninstall and delete configuracion and then install Vmware Workstation? Better you try a fresh install in a VM,  to se how it works?

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Alex
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[Technogeezer]

See https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?articleNumber=367660 for instructions on how to switch from a commercial license key to the personal use. 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
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[Eiken]

Sorry I've been away for weeks.

I've taken a look at the article and I don't think it applies to my scenario.

I was already on Workstation Pro 17 before trying to download and convert my existing installation from an evaluation version to a free personal use version.

I also tried to uninstall with the option of removing my existing configuration, then installed again. Still the same issue.

An alternative is of course to perform a clean re-installation of Windows again (or use another machine without Workstation installed), before and then performing the Workstation Pro installation but this is clearly not very practical for most people. 

This is honestly abit frustrating, but I do have about a year before I will have to worry about the expiration so it's not a big issue for now.

[logic who]

i have try check two , and install , but it still display "30 day" , i just wanna know can i  still use ? if after 30 day ;

or can i change mode after 30 day end ?

[warz1]

Same issue with mine, I have tried uninstalling manually, Full uninstall with different uninstaller software like "Revo" and "Iobit" to delete registry and leftovers of vmware. I also look inside Registry if there are remaining licenses and folders. I don't know what else to do to use VMware Pro for Personal Use

[dmbrooks]

Had the same issue.
So I went looking for the product key that I entered in the Windows registry.
Found it in Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\VMware, Inc.\VMware Workstation\License.ws.17.0.xxxxxxxx\

Delete the key called Serial just under Product ID key.(export it first if you're worried it'll break something).
Open VMware Workstation and you should be prompted for a key or choose personal use.

[Steven Jain]

I only have options for entering a key or a 30-day evaluation.  Just deleting the serial key doesn't seem to reset a commercial install.

[Sergio Soares]

This worked for me. Thank you.

[GREG TOMSHO]

Great, thanks, that worked for me. 

[GREG TOMSHO]

This worked for me, thanks @dmbrooks.