Horizon Connection Servers rely heavily on accurate timekeeping for certificate and license validation.
for manually clearing a stuck key from the database, or would you like to check the Cloud Connector logs
w32tm /resync
Follow these precise steps to clear out the error within the Horizon Console: horizon connection server license key is invalid
VMware Horizon comes in tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise. Each requires a specific key. If an administrator upgrades the Connection Server software to a newer version but applies a license key for an older, incompatible edition—or attempts to use features not covered by the license tier—the validation logic may flag the key as invalid for that specific software build.
: Ensure your key matches your major release (e.g., 8.x vs 7.x).
: For Horizon versions 2312.2, 2412, and later, users must transition to the new Omnissa license key format within a 60-day grace period after upgrading, or the console will enter restricted mode. Subscription Sync Failure If an administrator upgrades the Connection Server software
: Log in to the VMware Customer Connect portal to verify the status and details of your license key.
There are two main types of licenses for VMware Horizon. Understanding which one you are using is the first step in diagnosing the issue.
: License keys are specific to major versions. A license for Horizon 7.x will not work on Horizon 8.x (2006 or later). Subscription Sync Failure : Log in to the
: Using a license key intended for a different VMware product or version can cause this error. Ensure the key matches your product and version.
If you are using or Horizon Universal licenses, the Connection Server requires the Horizon Cloud Connector appliance to be deployed in your environment.
| Cause | Description | |-------|-------------| | | Incorrect entry of the license key (letters/numbers misread, e.g., 0 vs O , 5 vs S ). | | Wrong edition | Key is for Horizon Standard, Advanced, or Enterprise, but server expects a different edition. | | Expired or revoked key | Subscription key expired, or VMware revoked the license (e.g., non-payment, violation). | | License not activated | Key exists but not activated in MyVMware portal. | | VMware Horizon version mismatch | Old license key used with newer Horizon version (e.g., Horizon 7 key on Horizon 8). | | Corrupted license cache | Internal license service holds stale/incorrect data. | | Connection Server in replica group mismatch | Different license keys applied across replica servers. |
or changed any account credentials used for the Cloud Connector?