License Key Vmware Esxi 5.5 -

If you are looking for a license key for VMware ESXi 5.5, it is important to note that this version is considered and has reached its end-of-life status. VMware (now owned by Broadcom) no longer officially provides or supports new license keys for this version. Current Status of ESXi 5.5

Historically, the community has shared evaluation or generic licenses for testing purposes. Note: These may not activate all features and are for learning environments only.

To ensure seamless operation and minimize licensing issues:

VMware ESXi 5.5 License Keys: Status and Solutions in 2026 VMware ESXi 5.5 is an obsolete version that reached its end of general support on September 19, 2018, and end of technical guidance on September 19, 2020. As of 2026, obtaining new or free license keys for this version is not officially supported by Broadcom. explorevm.com

You must license your ESXi host, even for the free version. VMware provides a no-cost license specifically for this purpose (called the or "vSphere Hypervisor" ). Obtaining it involves a straightforward registration process through the VMware Customer Connect portal. license key vmware esxi 5.5

: Click Edit in the top right corner and choose Assign a new license key to this host .

Do you need to from a running host, or are you looking to upgrade to a newer version ?

However, if you have a legacy account that previously held a license for 5.5, it may still be viewable within your Broadcom/VMware Customer Connect portal Applying an Existing License Key

License keys are bound to the host or centralized within a vCenter Server instance. VMware ESXi 5.5 Free vs. Paid Editions If you are looking for a license key for VMware ESXi 5

Under the Software category sidebar, click on .

After installing ESXi 5.5, the host is placed in an evaluation mode. This is a 60-day trial that grants you access to all the features of the highest vSphere edition, allowing you to test advanced capabilities before you need to assign a license.

VMware provides a for ESXi 5.5, often branded as the vSphere Hypervisor. This is a perpetual license, meaning it does not expire. Best for: Home labs, small, single-host environments.

This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Note: These may not activate all features and

This technical guide outlines how VMware ESXi 5.5 licensing operates, how to apply your keys, the limitations of the free hypervisor tier, and how to manage these environments today. Understanding the VMware vSphere 5.5 Licensing Model

For environments requiring clustering, centralized management, and enterprise data protection, VMware offered commercial license keys. These keys unlocked advanced capabilities within the hypervisor. Standard Edition

If you are running ESXi 5.5 for historical application compatibility, ensure the host is entirely isolated from the internet and placed behind strict internal firewalls.

If you're having trouble with your license key, here are some troubleshooting tips: