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Usually, a valid perpetual VMware license does not stop working just because the reseller that sold it loses authorization. Broadcom says that expiration of Support and Subscription (SnS) does not revoke the underlying perpetual software entitlement. But that statement does not resolve every consequence of a reseller’s deauthorization: your contract, entitlement record, support access, and renewal route need to be checked individually. A term or subscription license is not covered by the same continuing-use rule.
What reseller deauthorization does—and does not—tell you
A reseller losing authorization does not, by itself, establish whether a particular customer license has been canceled, transferred, or left unchanged. Broadcom’s published guidance on perpetual licenses addresses what happens when SnS expires; it does not set a universal rule for all customer contracts after a reseller is deauthorized. The answer depends on your license type, order and transaction documents, applicable end-user agreement, Broadcom entitlement record, and contract dates.
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In particular, do not treat a change in reseller status as proof that your entitlement has ended—or as a guarantee that support and renewal will continue unchanged. Ask Broadcom to confirm the status and the correct commercial channel for your specific contract.
Perpetual licenses: continued use is separate from support
For a perpetual license, Broadcom states that the license is granted for the life of the software version and that SnS is a separate agreement for technical support and software updates. Broadcom’s February 12, 2026 guidance says, “The expiration of the SnS does not revoke the underlying software entitlement.” Broadcom’s guidance on perpetual functionality after SnS expiration
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Broadcom also says that in this documented case, ESXi hosts and vCenter Server continue to operate normally after SnS expiry: there is no automated shutdown or disconnection, and running virtual machines and features included with the licensed edition remain available. This applies to a valid perpetual entitlement; it should not be read as a ruling on a disputed entitlement or an expired term subscription.
What can change when SnS expires
- Software operation: the perpetual entitlement remains in effect under Broadcom’s stated rule.
- Support: you cannot open a technical Support Request after SnS expires.
- Updates: access to new patches, security updates, and major or minor releases is restricted.
Continued operation therefore does not mean that support or updates remain available. Check SnS dates separately from the license entitlement.
Term and subscription licenses need a separate check
Do not apply the perpetual-license rule to a subscription automatically. Confirm the subscription’s service end date and terms with Broadcom or the commercial channel responsible for the contract. Broadcom treats extensions, grace periods, quantity changes, and corrections to service-end dates as commercial modifications that require review. Broadcom guidance on license extensions and modifications
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe key distinction is the entitlement’s term: an SnS expiry on a perpetual license is not the same as a term subscription reaching its end date. Your contract documents and current entitlement record determine which situation applies.
How to verify your license and find the right contact
- Identify each entitlement. Record the product, edition, version, license type (perpetual or term/subscription), key or entitlement identifier, contract number, Site ID, and service end date. Use your order and transaction documents rather than assuming all products on an account share the same terms.
- Check My Entitlements in the Broadcom Support Portal. Review the relevant product and contract record. For inactive or expired records, Broadcom’s portal guidance says to remove the Active filter and open the relevant contract details; you need appropriate Site ID access. Broadcom instructions for viewing inactive or expired entitlements
- Locate your Site ID if you need it. Broadcom says it appears in the Electronic Software Delivery email and can also be reviewed in My Entitlements. For legacy VMware order or contract issues, contact Broadcom Customer Care with the contract or license-key details. Broadcom guidance on Site IDs and legacy VMware contract issues
- Route contract changes through the commercial channel. For a pending renewal, extension, grace period, or other modification, contact your account manager or sales representative. If you bought through a partner or distributor, Broadcom says that channel must initiate the change. If the former reseller can no longer handle it, ask Broadcom to identify the correct channel for your contract. Broadcom guidance on license extensions and modifications
- Request written confirmation. Ask Broadcom to confirm whether the specific entitlement remains active and who can handle support or renewal transactions. Keep the response with your contract and entitlement records.
Do not mistake a reseller’s partner license for your customer license
A reseller relationship does not give a customer rights to a partner-only license. Broadcom’s Not for Resale (NFR) program is for eligible partners and approved test, demonstration, training, and development uses; it prohibits production use and sharing with other parties. If a key is marked NFR or otherwise partner-only, do not treat it as a production customer entitlement. Broadcom information about the partner NFR program
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