Many people do not realize that StarWind offers a legitimate, unlimited free version called StarWind VSAN Free.
This is not a trial. It is a perpetual free license. However, there is a catch.
What the Free version includes:
What the Free version limits:
How to get the legitimate free key: Do not download a cracked "license.dat" file. Go to the official StarWind website. Fill out the form for the "Free Version." They will email you a legitimate key within minutes. This key is safe, legal, and works forever. Starwind Virtual San License Key
For production environments, you need a paid license. As of 2024-2025, StarWind has moved toward a subscription model (VSAN Perpetual is being phased out, though legacy keys still work).
Current pricing generally includes:
A paid key gives you access to the StarWind Support team (known in the industry for being incredibly responsive) and the Update Manager.
Before hunting for a key, it is crucial to understand what StarWind vSAN actually does. Unlike VMware vSAN or Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), StarWind vSAN is hardware-agnostic. It mirrors internal storage (HDDs, SSDs, NVMe) across two or three nodes. Many people do not realize that StarWind offers
Key features you are trying to unlock:
If you inherited a StarWind server from a previous admin and you aren't sure if the key is legit, follow these steps: What the Free version limits :