Free Hypervisor: Unlocking Virtualization Without the High Costs

A free hypervisor provides an excellent entry point for businesses and developers looking to leverage virtualization without heavy upfront investment. Hypervisors like VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi Free Edition), Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and Proxmox VE offer powerful features that enable users to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. These solutions help maximize hardware efficiency, improve disaster recovery, and simplify IT management. Free hypervisors are particularly valuable for small businesses, labs, developers, and anyone experimenting with virtual environments. While free versions might have certain limitations compared to their enterprise counterparts—such as restricted management features or scalability—they still offer robust performance and essential virtualization capabilities. Choosing the right free hypervisor allows organizations to optimize resources, test new applications, and build flexible infrastructures without incurring significant costs.

VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e: The Free Hypervisor Returns

VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e: The Free Hypervisor Returns

Ravi Jain
VMware has reintroduced its free ESXi hypervisor with the release of version 8.0 Update 3e, reversing a previous move to a subscription-only model. This update, launched on April 10, 2025, includes a built-in free license and enhances hardware compatibility while providing bug fixes and security improvements. Although the free version lacks vCenter Server integration and some backup options, the virtualization community has largely praised its return, seeing it as a response to competitor offerings and a benefit for non-production uses. Users can download the free hypervisor from the Broadcom Support Portal after creating an account. Finally, Technijian offers services to assist with virtualization strategies, deployment, and ongoing support for VMware environments. ... Read More