A VMware Workstation license key is a unique code that unlocks the full features of the software. Without a valid license key, you can still use VMware Workstation, but with limited functionality. The license key is required to activate the software and access all its features, including the ability to create and manage virtual machines, use USB devices, and connect to remote servers.

VMware offers a fully functional 30-day trial of Workstation Pro 17. During this period, you can test if it meets your needs—and it can run the same VMs as version 15.5.6.