License Key Vmware Esxi 5.5 New!

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

Here is an overview of how to manage, apply, and look for license keys for this legacy system. Can You Still Get a Free 5.5 License Key?

Officially, no. Broadcom has discontinued free ESXi license keys for old versions, and they have transitioned entirely to a subscription-based model, making it impossible to generate new perpetual keys for 5.5. Sangfor Technologies

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

If you already possess a license key, you can apply it to an ESXi 5.5 host using one of these methods: vSphere Client (Direct Connection): Log in to the host via vSphere Client Navigate to the Configuration Licensed Features in the top right corner.

Select "Assign a new license key to this host" and enter the key. Direct Console UI (DCUI): Log into the physical console. View Support Information to view the current license serial number. , log in, and use Troubleshooting Options to assign a new license key via command line if needed. Managing Old License Keys

Unlocking the Power of VMware ESXi 5.5: Understanding License Keys and Activation

VMware ESXi 5.5 is a popular virtualization platform used by many organizations to manage and deploy virtual machines. To unlock its full potential, a valid license key is required. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of VMware ESXi 5.5 license keys, including how to obtain one, how to activate it, and what to do if you encounter any issues.

What is a VMware ESXi 5.5 License Key?

A VMware ESXi 5.5 license key is a unique code used to activate and unlock the full features of the ESXi 5.5 hypervisor. The license key is tied to the specific installation of ESXi and is used to verify the authenticity of the software.

Types of VMware ESXi 5.5 Licenses

VMware offers several types of licenses for ESXi 5.5, including:

How to Obtain a VMware ESXi 5.5 License Key license key vmware esxi 5.5

To obtain a VMware ESXi 5.5 license key, follow these steps:

  1. Purchase a license: You can purchase a license from VMware or an authorized reseller.
  2. Create a VMware account: If you don't have a VMware account, create one on the VMware website.
  3. Generate a license key: Once you have a VMware account, you can generate a license key for your ESXi 5.5 installation.

How to Activate a VMware ESXi 5.5 License Key

To activate a VMware ESXi 5.5 license key, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the ESXi host: Log in to the ESXi host using the vSphere Client or the ESXi direct console.
  2. Go to the License section: Navigate to the License section and click on "Assign License".
  3. Enter the license key: Enter the license key and click "OK".

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues with your VMware ESXi 5.5 license key, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

Conclusion

In conclusion, a valid VMware ESXi 5.5 license key is required to unlock the full features of the ESXi 5.5 hypervisor. By understanding the different types of licenses, how to obtain a license key, and how to activate it, you can ensure that your ESXi 5.5 installation is properly licensed and supported. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting steps outlined above.

The VMware ESXi 5.5 hypervisor, while considered a legacy product by modern standards, remains a cornerstone for many homelab enthusiasts and businesses maintaining older hardware. Whether you are recovering a legacy server or building a budget-friendly virtualization environment, understanding how the license key system works for this specific version is critical.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of licensing for VMware ESXi 5.5, the differences between the free and paid tiers, and how to manage your keys. 🔑 Understanding VMware ESXi 5.5 Licensing

ESXi 5.5 follows a "Try and Buy" model. When you first install the software, it operates in Evaluation Mode for 60 days. During this window, every feature is unlocked. Once the 60 days expire, you must apply a valid license key to continue managing your virtual machines (VMs). The Free License vs. Paid Licenses

VMware offered a "vSphere Hypervisor" (Free) edition for version 5.5. While powerful, it came with specific limitations compared to the paid "Standard," "Enterprise," or "Enterprise Plus" tiers:

vCenter Support: The free license cannot be managed by vCenter Server. VMware ESXi 5

API Access: Read-only access to APIs, which limits some third-party backup tools.

Hardware Limits: While ESXi 5.5 removed the physical RAM limit (which was 32GB in version 5.0), it still limits the number of virtual CPUs (vCPUs) per VM. 🛠️ How to Add a License Key to ESXi 5.5

Since ESXi 5.5 predates the modern HTML5 web client, you will primarily use the vSphere Client (C# Windows application) to manage your license. Step-by-Step Instructions: Launch the vSphere Client and log into your ESXi host. Select the Host in the inventory sidebar on the left. Click on the Configuration tab in the main window. Under the Software section, click on Licensed Features. Click Edit (located in the top right corner). Select Assign a new license key to this host.

Click Enter Key and type in your 25-character alphanumeric string. Click OK to validate and apply. ⚠️ Important Compatibility Notes

ESXi 5.5 has reached its End of General Support (EOGS). This means:

No Security Patches: The software is vulnerable to modern exploits.

Hardware Constraints: It may not recognize NVMe drives or the latest Intel/AMD processor architectures.

Key Availability: Official "Free" keys are increasingly difficult to obtain as Broadcom (who acquired VMware) has overhauled the licensing portals. 💡 Where to Find Your License Key

If you previously owned a license but cannot find the key, you have a few options:

Broadcom Support Portal: Licenses migrated from the old MyVMware portal to Broadcom’s Customer Support Portal.

Old Emails: Search your inbox for "VMware Order" or "vSphere License."

Homelab Communities: Many users on forums like Reddit’s r/homelab share insights on managing legacy systems. Pro-Tip for Homelabbers Free : The free license is a trial

If you are using ESXi 5.5 for learning, consider upgrading to a newer version like 6.7 or 7.0 if your hardware supports it. These versions offer better web-based management and improved stability for modern operating systems. What hardware (server model/CPU) are you running this on? Do you need help upgrading to a newer version of ESXi?

I can provide specific compatibility checks or troubleshooting steps based on your setup.

If you are looking for a license key for VMware ESXi 5.5, it is important to note that this version is considered legacy software 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

End of General Support: Support for ESXi 5.5 officially ended on September 19, 2018.

End of Technical Guidance: The final phase of self-help support ended on September 19, 2020.

Security Risks: Because it no longer receives security patches or bug fixes, running ESXi 5.5 in a production environment is highly discouraged as it contains unpatched vulnerabilities. How to Manage Licensing for Legacy Systems

Retrieve Existing Keys: If you previously owned a license, you can still find your historical keys by logging into the Broadcom Support Portal (which replaced the old "My VMware" portal).

Downgrading Newer Keys: In some cases, if you have a valid perpetual license for a newer version (like vSphere 6.x), the licensing portal may allow you to "downgrade" that key to a 5.x version for legacy hardware compatibility.

Free Version Availability: Broadcom has discontinued the "Free ESXi" (Hypervisor) edition. As of 2024, VMware products have transitioned entirely to a subscription-based model, and free standalone keys are no longer issued. VMware ESXi - endoflife.date

I understand you're looking for a guide on VMware ESXi 5.5 license keys. However, I need to provide some important context first:

Important Notice:
VMware ESXi 5.5 reached End of General Support on September 19, 2018, and End of Technical Guidance on September 19, 2020. Using it today poses significant security risks. VMware no longer provides patches or security updates.

Benefits

3. Evaluation Mode

How to Obtain a License Key

  1. Purchase Directly: Buy directly from VMware or an authorized VMware reseller.
  2. VMware Partner Program: If you're a VMware partner, you may have access to special licensing and pricing.
  3. Upgrade from Evaluation: If you're currently in evaluation mode, you can purchase a license key through VMware's website.

4. Finding a valid key today

2. Paid Licenses (Commercial Use)