: Modern versions (like 25H2 or 17.6+ ) do not require a license key to install or run full features.

Yes, completely free. No license key required for non-commercial use. VMware Workstation Player 17 lets you:

VMware 9 has shifted from perpetual licenses to a subscription-only model. Instead of a static key, you use activation files that are cryptographically signed by Broadcom’s servers.

Broadcom has overhauled the licensing model for its latest enterprise stack to prioritize subscriptions and simplified key management.

: The system must periodically communicate with Broadcom's servers to verify active subscriptions. For disconnected (air-gapped) environments