Managing vCenter license keys using the command line provides a flexible and efficient way to perform various tasks, especially in automated or remote management scenarios. By using the vicli command with the license option, you can retrieve, add, update, and remove license keys. Remember to follow best practices, such as using secure protocols and validating license keys, to ensure your vSphere environment remains compliant and functional.

To retrieve a vCenter license key using the command line, use the vicli command with the license option. The basic syntax is:

vicli -s <vcenter_server> -u <username> -p <password> license remove --license-key <license_key> Replace <license_key> with the license key you want to remove.

This command will display a list of all license keys associated with your vCenter Server instance, including the key, product, and expiration date.

To remove a license key, use the vicli command with the license remove option: