Minor versions updates (e.g. 16.1, 17.0.2) to the major version (16 or 17) that you're running are free. Anything involving a major version change (e.g. 16 to 17) are version upgrades and are not free (except in very certain circumstances where you bought a new prior version licences within about a few months of the release of a new major version).
As an example the following update paths are free:
- 16.1 to 16.1.1
- 16.1.1 to 16.1.2
- 16.1 to 16.2
- 17.0 to 17.0.2
The following are not free because they involve a major version upgrade
- 16.2.5 to 17.0
- 16.1 to 17.0.2
There are no "time limits" on when you can get them from VMware's product download site that you get to through Customer Connect or downloads.vmware.com. VMware maintains downloads of versions of Workstation Player and Pro from 14.0 onward. It's not guaranteed though when Vmware will drop downloads of old versions of products.
Note that product update (minor) releases are generally cumulative. In general, it's advisable to be on the latest minor release of a major version to make sure you have all the latest bug fixes and security remediations. (and yes, there are exceptions, please read the release notes to make the decision for yourself).
- Paul (Technogeezer)
Editor of the Unofficial Fusion Companion Guides
