Microsoft Azure VMware Solution to Upgrade HCX to Version 4.10 by July 2025: Key Changes and Migration Steps

Microsoft is upgrading Azure VMware Solution users to HCX 4.10 by July 2025, following Broadcom’s end-of-life for HCX 4.10.x. This update brings local mode operation, deprecates activation key licensing, and removes several features, urging users to prepare for a smooth transition. Unique :

HCX 4.10 Upgrade: What VMware Users Need to Know

Microsoft is rolling out HCX 4.10 upgrades for Azure VMware Solution users before Broadcom ends support for version 4.10.x on July 27, 2025. This upgrade is crucial for anyone relying on VMware HCX for workload migration and mobility across clouds or on-premises environments.

What’s New in HCX 4.10?

The biggest change is that HCX will now operate exclusively in Local Mode. This means upgrade notifications from Broadcom will no longer appear in the System updates section. Instead, users must manually upgrade using offline bundles.

Additionally, the old activation key-based licensing is deprecated. Activation keys will stop working 450 days after upgrading to 4.10. Any HCX versions before 4.10 using activation keys will cease functioning once connect.hcx.vmware.com is decommissioned later this year.

“HCX systems running 4.10 or later will no longer receive upgrade notifications under the System updates section from Broadcom.”

Major Deprecated Features to Watch Out For

HCX 4.10 also marks the start of phasing out several key features. These will be unsupported after December 24, 2025, so plan accordingly:

HCX V2T Migration
HCX WAN Optimization
HCX Disaster Recovery
vCenter Server Plug-in for HCX
HCX UI – Tracking page in Migration interface

Microsoft recommends migrating to alternative solutions if you rely on any of these soon-to-be-removed features.

What Actions Should Current HCX Users Take?

Microsoft will upgrade HCX Cloud Manager automatically, but customers must manually update on-prem HCX managers and service mesh appliances to version 4.10. After upgrading, a resync operation on both source and connector sides is advised to avoid errors.

All Azure VMware Solution customers have been notified about their upgrade schedules. You can reschedule via the Azure VMware Solution portal but must finish upgrades during US business hours before July 31, 2025.

“Customers should plan to migrate to an alternative solution at the earliest if they use any of the deprecated features.”

Why This Upgrade Matters

This update ensures continued support and security for your VMware workloads running on Azure. It also aligns with Broadcom’s new licensing and upgrade policies, preventing service disruptions.

To sum up, upgrading to HCX 4.10 is essential for uninterrupted VMware mobility and migration services on Azure. Stay proactive and schedule your upgrade soon!

Learn More and Resources

HCX 4.10 will operate exclusively in local mode, eliminating upgrade notifications from Broadcom.

Activation key-based licensing is deprecated and will stop working 450 days after upgrading to HCX 4.10.

Several HCX features like V2T Migration, WAN Optimization, and Disaster Recovery are deprecated and will be removed by end of 2025.

Customers must upgrade paired HCX connectors and service mesh appliances and may need to resync after upgrade.

Microsoft will handle HCX Cloud Manager upgrades; on-prem HCX components must be upgraded by customers using provided bundles.

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