On Linux distributions, VMware uses a flat file system to store activation data. : Use your preferred terminal emulator.
On Linux, license data is stored in plain text files within the system configuration directories. : Access your terminal interface. Locate the License File : The key is generally stored in:
: Download the latest version from the Broadcom Support Portal . vmware workstation pro remove license key
Navigate to the VMware installation folder (default paths):
For a guaranteed removal, delete the registry entries containing the license key. On Linux distributions, VMware uses a flat file
: This method does not always fully clear the license from the registry or configuration files. If the license persists after deletion, use Method 2 or 3.
If you still see “Licensed to …”, repeat Method 2 (the --new-sn command) – it is the most reliable. : Access your terminal interface
To remove a license key from VMware Workstation Pro, you must manually delete specific registry keys on Windows or license files on Linux, as the application does not feature a "Deactivate" button in its user interface.
Open or PowerShell as Administrator.
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | License reappears after deletion | A background VMware service may restore it. Stop all VMware services ( services.msc ) before editing the registry. | | “Invalid license” error after removal | Run VMware as Administrator and re-enter a valid key. | | No “Enter License Key” option | Some versions hide this if a license is active. Use the command line or registry method instead. |
(Windows) or killall -9 vmware-tray (Linux). Then reboot.