Vmware Esxi 5.5 | License Key

Understanding VMware ESXi 5.5

VMware ESXi is a robust virtualization platform that enables you to create and manage virtual machines. ESXi 5.5 is a specific version of the ESXi hypervisor, which was released as part of VMware's vSphere 5.5 suite. This version brought several enhancements over its predecessors, including improved performance, scalability, and management capabilities.

3. Evaluation Mode

• 60‑day trial with full Enterprise Plus features
• No key required initially – install and evaluate

Recommended Alternatives

• Upgrade to ESXi 7.0 or 8.0 (free for homelab, up to 8 vCPUs per VM)
• Proxmox VE – open‑source alternative
• XCP‑ng – open‑source virtualization

If you need a step‑by‑step installation guide for ESXi 5.5 without licensing advice (e.g., evaluation mode), let me know and I can provide that separately.

I can’t help generate or provide license keys for VMware ESXi 5.5 or any other commercial software.

If you need legal alternatives, here are options:

• Purchase a license from VMware: visit VMware’s official store or contact sales.
• Use the free VMware ESXi Hypervisor (limited features) by registering for a free license on VMware’s website.
• Consider supported open-source hypervisors: Proxmox VE, KVM/libvirt, or XenServer (now XCP-ng).
• If you already have a license and need to apply it, provide the exact situation (e.g., vSphere Client or ESXi Host Client) and I can give step-by-step instructions for applying a valid key.

Related search suggestions: (1) "VMware ESXi 5.5 apply license key" — 0.9 (2) "VMware free ESXi license how to register" — 0.85 (3) "convert VMware license to vSphere 6 upgrade options" — 0.6

Helpful Post: Obtaining a License Key for VMware ESXi 5.5

Introduction

VMware ESXi 5.5 is a popular virtualization platform used by many organizations to manage their virtual infrastructure. However, to unlock its full potential, you need a valid license key. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of obtaining a license key for VMware ESXi 5.5. license key vmware esxi 5.5

Why do you need a license key?

A license key is required to enable advanced features and support for VMware ESXi 5.5. Without a valid license, you'll be limited to the free version, which has some restrictions. By obtaining a license key, you'll be able to:

• Enable features like vMotion, Storage vMotion, and High Availability
• Get access to VMware support and updates
• Manage larger virtual infrastructures

How to obtain a license key

There are a few ways to obtain a license key for VMware ESXi 5.5:

1. Purchase a license key from VMware: You can buy a license key directly from VMware or through an authorized reseller. This is the recommended method, as you'll get a genuine license key and support from VMware.
2. Free trial license: VMware offers a free 60-day trial license for ESXi 5.5. This is a great option if you want to test the platform before committing to a purchase.
3. Used or refurbished license keys: You can also find used or refurbished license keys from authorized resellers or online marketplaces. However, be cautious when buying from third-party sellers, as there's a risk of counterfeit or invalid licenses.

Where to find the license key

Once you've obtained a license key, you'll need to enter it into the VMware ESXi 5.5 interface. Here's where to find the license key:

1. vSphere Client: Open the vSphere Client and navigate to the Configuration tab. Click on Licensing and then License Keys.
2. ESXi direct console: You can also find the license key in the ESXi direct console. Press F2 to enter the console, then navigate to Configure Management Network > Licensing.

Troubleshooting tips

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

• Make sure you've entered the license key correctly, paying attention to any special characters or formatting.
• Check that your license key is valid and not expired.
• Contact VMware support if you're still having issues.

Conclusion

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. Understanding VMware ESXi 5

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

VMware ESXi 5.5 is a legacy bare-metal hypervisor that is now largely obsolete and no longer officially supported

. While it was once popular for its robust "free" version, changes in VMware's licensing—especially following the Broadcom acquisition—have made obtaining official keys for such old versions nearly impossible. Licensing Overview for ESXi 5.5 Evaluation Mode : By default, ESXi 5.5 runs in a 60-day full-featured evaluation mode

. If a license key is not applied within this window, the hypervisor stops functioning, and you lose the ability to manage or power on virtual machines. Free Hypervisor License

: VMware previously offered a free "vSphere Hypervisor" license that allowed for unlimited physical CPUs and RAM (a major upgrade from the 32GB limit in ESXi 5.0). This license is permanent and never expires once applied. Broadcom Transition

: As of 2024, Broadcom has discontinued the issuance of free ESXi license keys. Users looking for keys today often rely on legacy account histories or third-party repositories, though the latter may violate EULAs. Spiceworks Community Key Features and Limitations

FREE or TRIAL? VMware vSphere Hypervisor 5.5 - Virtualization 60‑day trial with full Enterprise Plus features No

4. Finding a valid key today

• If you have an existing contract, log into VMware Customer Connect → Licenses
• Upgrade to a supported version (6.7, 7.0, or 8.0) for new keys
• No legitimate free key generator exists – keys are tied to VMware accounts

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1. Free License (vSphere Hypervisor)

• Purpose: Single server, non-production, or home lab use
• Limits: Up to 32 GB vRAM per physical CPU (old limit), 2 physical CPUs per host
• No vCenter support for advanced features like vMotion, HA, DRS
• How to obtain:
  • Register at VMware Customer Connect (formerly My VMware)
  • Download ESXi 5.5 ISO (if still available)
  • Request a free hypervisor license key

Benefits

• Scalability: Allows businesses to scale their infrastructure without significant hardware investments.
• Flexibility: Supports a wide range of operating systems and applications.
• Reliability: Offers enterprise-grade reliability with features like High Availability and vMotion.