Vmware Esxi 5.5 Iso Download ((new)) May 2026

ESXi 5.5 is a legacy Type 1 hypervisor that was a major milestone for VMware, though it is now considered

for modern production environments. It reached its end of general support on September 19, 2018, and its technical guidance phase ended in 2020. endoflife.date Review: Performance & Capability

In its prime, ESXi 5.5 was praised for its speed and usability improvements over previous versions. Key Advancements:

It introduced support for 62TB virtual disks (VMDKs), a massive jump from the previous 2TB limit. It also improved CPU power management through deep C-states, saving energy while maintaining performance. Networking:

It added Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) support and improved single-root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV). However, real-world tests showed that certain older virtual drivers (like VMXNET 2) could be unstable. Hardware Compatibility:

ESXi 5.5 introduced virtual hardware version 10 (vmx-10), which allowed for 120 disk devices per VM and new CPU architectures. www.truenas.com Legacy Limitations & Critical Risks Using ESXi 5.5 today comes with significant downsides: Security Hazards:

It does not receive security patches or bug fixes. Using it in 2026 exposes your environment to unpatched vulnerabilities that modern hypervisors have already solved. Management Frustration:

While it supported the legacy C# vSphere Client, many of its best features (like Flash Read Cache) required the vSphere Web Client, which was often described as slow and difficult to use. Modern Compatibility:

It lacks support for newer operating systems and modern hardware features found in ESXi 7.0 or 8.0. www.truenas.com ISO Download & Official Status

Official access to the ESXi 5.5 ISO is now highly restricted following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware.

The process for a VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO download has changed significantly due to Broadcom's acquisition of VMware and the product reaching its official end-of-life (EOL). Official Download Status

VMware vSphere ESXi 5.5 is a legacy version that reached the End of General Support on September 19, 2018, and the End of Technical Guidance on September 19, 2020.

Broadcom Support Portal: Standard "free" trial downloads for ESXi are no longer available to the general public without an active support contract. While the files may appear in the Broadcom Support Portal under "My Downloads," users without a valid entitlement or "Site ID" will likely see a "not entitled" message.

OEM Custom Images: Hardware manufacturers like Dell, HPE, and Lenovo often provide their own customized ISOs that include specific drivers for their servers. These are sometimes still accessible on their respective support sites.

Dell Users: You can search for the VMware ESXi 5.5 Image on the Dell Support site using your server's Service Tag.

HPE Users: Customized images can occasionally be found by navigating through the HPE Support Center. Installation & Deployment Steps

Once you have secured an ISO, follow these general steps to install the hypervisor:

Verify Hardware Compatibility: Ensure your server hardware is compatible with version 5.5, as newer CPUs and NICs may not have drivers in this legacy installer.

Create Bootable Media: Use tools like Rufus to burn the ISO to a USB flash drive or use a physical CD/DVD.

Boot and Install: Set your server to boot from the installation media and follow the on-screen prompts to select a target disk for the ESXi OS.

Initial Configuration: Use the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) to set a static IP address and root password. Managing the Host

Because version 5.5 is dated, modern web browsers may struggle with its legacy management tools.

Downloading the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO has become difficult because this version reached its End of General Support on September 19, 2018, and End of Technical Guidance on September 19, 2020 endoflife.date

. Broadcom, which now owns VMware, has significantly changed how legacy software is accessed Where to Download ESXi 5.5 ISO

Because it is a legacy, unsupported product, official direct links on the main VMware/Broadcom landing pages are often redirected or hidden. Broadcom Support Portal: This is the current official source. You must have a valid perpetual license

associated with your account to see and download legacy versions Broadcom Community Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal Navigate to My Downloads VMware Cloud Foundation VMware vSphere and look for the version dropdown to find 5.5 Broadcom support portal Manufacturer-Customized ISOs (Recommended):

Hardware vendors often host their own customized versions of ESXi 5.5 (containing specific drivers for their servers), which can sometimes be easier to find: Dell-customized ESXi 5.5 Update 3 is available for specific PowerEdge servers Custom images exist on the HPE Support Center vmware esxi 5.5 iso download

, though they often redirect to VMware/Broadcom for the actual file Hewlett Packard Enterprise IBM/Lenovo: IBM-customized ESXi 5.5 images are available for older System x servers Third-Party Archives:

If official sources fail, some users rely on community-maintained archives like Archive.org's VMware ISO collection

, though these are not official and should be verified with MD5/SHA checksums before use Critical Limitations & Risks Download legacy version ESXi | VMware vSphere

Finding an ISO for VMware ESXi 5.5 today is like looking for a vintage car part—it’s officially "end of life," but for home lab enthusiasts and legacy systems, it's still a classic. Where to Download ESXi 5.5 ISOs

Since VMware is now owned by Broadcom, many old direct links have changed. You generally have three reliable paths: Official Portals (Broadcom/Dell/HPE):

Broadcom Support Portal: You can still find legacy downloads by searching the Broadcom Support Portal under "VMware vSphere".

Vendor-Customized ISOs: If you are running on specific hardware (like a PowerEdge or ProLiant), it is often better to use the vendor's version which includes the right drivers. You can find these on Dell Support or IBM Support.

The "Community" Route: For home labs, sites like TinkerTry and Virtually Fun have spent years documenting how to find and install these specific builds.

Archives: Some users rely on the Internet Archive's VMware Collection for preserved copies of older "vanilla" installers. The "Interesting Story": The Night of the "Expired" ISOs

There is a famous piece of VMware lore involving version 5.5. In 2014, VMware released ESXi 5.5 Update 1. It was supposed to be a standard stability update, but it quickly turned into a nightmare for sysadmins.

Shortly after the release, reports started flooding forums: hosts were crashing with "Purple Screens of Death" (PSOD). The culprit? A bug in the Software iSCSI stack. If you were using iSCSI storage (which almost everyone was), your entire data center could suddenly go dark.

The "interesting" part wasn't just the bug—it was the social scramble. Because ESXi 5.5 was the first version where the "Free" license felt truly robust, it had a massive community of home labbers. For 48 hours, the internet became a frantic swap-meet of people trying to find the previous ISO (Build 1331820) because VMware had temporarily pulled it from the main page to fix the update. It was a rare moment where "new" was definitely worse, and a single ISO file became the most valuable thing in a sysadmin's toolkit.

Are you looking to install this on older server hardware, or are you trying to set up a nested lab on a modern PC?

VMware ESXi 5.5 Update 1 Driver Rollup 2 Released Apr 24 2014

VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO Download: A Comprehensive Guide

VMware ESXi 5.5 is a popular virtualization platform that allows users to create and manage virtual machines. If you're looking to download the ESXi 5.5 ISO file, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to download the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO file, along with some essential information about the software.

What is VMware ESXi 5.5?

VMware ESXi 5.5 is a bare-metal hypervisor that enables users to create and manage virtual machines. It's a popular choice among IT professionals and organizations due to its reliability, scalability, and flexibility. ESXi 5.5 supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Features of VMware ESXi 5.5

Before we dive into the download process, let's take a look at some of the key features of VMware ESXi 5.5:

How to Download VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO

To download the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO file, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the VMware website: Go to the VMware website (www.vmware.com) and click on the "Support" tab.
  2. Navigate to the Product Downloads page: Click on "Product Downloads" and select "ESXi" from the list of products.
  3. Select ESXi 5.5: Choose "ESXi 5.5" from the list of available versions.
  4. Enter your VMware account credentials: If you have a VMware account, enter your login credentials to access the download page. If you don't have an account, create one for free.
  5. Download the ESXi 5.5 ISO file: Click on the "Download" button to start downloading the ESXi 5.5 ISO file.

System Requirements for ESXi 5.5

Before installing ESXi 5.5, ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements:

Installation and Upgrade Considerations

When installing or upgrading to ESXi 5.5, keep the following in mind: ESXi 5

Conclusion

In this blog post, we've provided a comprehensive guide on how to download the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO file. We've also covered the key features, system requirements, and installation considerations for ESXi 5.5. If you're looking to create a virtual infrastructure or upgrade your existing setup, ESXi 5.5 is a reliable and scalable choice. Happy downloading!

Downloading an ISO for a software version released over a decade ago—like VMware ESXi 5.5—is less about a simple click and more of a journey through IT history.

While finding a direct, official "Download" button is now nearly impossible due to Broadcom’s acquisition and the software's age, here is an "article-style" breakdown of what you need to know about tracking down this legacy hypervisor. 🏗️ The Legacy of vSphere 5.5

Released in 2013, ESXi 5.5 was a landmark version. It introduced support for massive 62TB virtual disks and improved the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) to handle much larger environments. For many sysadmins, it was the "golden era" of stable, perpetual licensing—before the industry shifted heavily toward subscriptions. Where did the ISO go?

Since the Broadcom acquisition, the traditional VMware Customer Connect portal has been overhauled. Official downloads for versions as old as 5.5 are typically:

Restricted: Broadcom generally only provides downloads for currently supported versions (ESXi 7.0 and 8.0).

Archived: To get a 5.5 ISO from the Broadcom Support Portal, you usually need an existing support contract or entitlement. 🛠️ The "Hidden" Download Paths

If you are looking for this ISO for a home lab or to support ancient hardware, enthusiasts often use these alternatives:

OEM-Customized Images: Vendors like Dell Support and HPE often keep their custom-tailored ESXi 5.5 ISOs available on their own driver pages. These are often safer and more compatible with specific server models.

TinkerTry Lab Guides: Long-standing tech blogs like TinkerTry maintain archived links and step-by-step guides on how to piece together a 5.5 lab environment. ⚠️ Why People Still Search for 5.5 in 2026

It’s not just nostalgia; there are several practical (and risky) reasons:

Searching for VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO can be difficult today because Broadcom (which acquired VMware) has shifted legacy downloads to the Broadcom Support Portal. Since ESXi 5.5 is "End of General Support," it is no longer available via standard public download links.

Subject: Looking for legitimate VMware ESXi 5.5 (vSphere) ISO for Legacy Lab Body:Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on a legacy lab environment that requires VMware ESXi 5.5. I’ve checked the new Broadcom Support Portal, but as this version is long out of support, I’m having trouble locating the original installation ISO (specifically VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.5.0-XXXXXX.x86_64.iso).

Does anyone have a reliable link to the Broadcom archive for this, or know if there is still a way to pull it from an official repository?

Note for others looking: If you are trying to find newer free versions (like ESXi 8.0), they are typically found under the Broadcom My Downloads section, but legacy versions like 5.5 often require specific entitlement or searching through "All Products." Source: YouTube Thanks for any help or pointers! Important Notes for Downloading:

Broadcom Transition: Many legacy guides (like Virten.net) point to the old vmware.com portal, which now redirects. You must now create a Broadcom Support account to access any official binaries.

Security Risk: Avoid downloading ISOs from unofficial file-sharing sites (like Mega or MediaFire), as these can be tampered with. Always verify the SHA1/MD5 checksum against official documentation if you find a mirror.

HPE/Dell Variants: If you are using specific hardware, check the HPE Support Center or Dell’s support site, as they often host custom ESXi images that include necessary drivers for older servers.

Do you need the MD5 checksum for a specific 5.5 build to verify a file you already have?

Free ESXi 6.5 - How to Download and get License Keys - virten.net

Downloading VMware ESXi 5.5 in 2026 can be challenging because the software is well past its support lifecycle

. Since Broadcom acquired VMware, the download process for older versions has changed significantly. endoflife.date Official Download Methods Broadcom now centralizes all VMware downloads through the Broadcom Support Portal Broadcom Support Portal

: You must register for a free account and log in to the portal. Entitlement Requirement

: Access to specific ISOs often requires a valid license entitlement. If your account isn't linked to a vSphere license, the "Download" button may appear as "Not Entitled". OEM Custom Images Improved performance : ESXi 5

: For older versions like 5.5, Broadcom only maintains the most recent certified versions. You may need to look for OEM-specific

versions (e.g., for Dell or HP servers) directly on the hardware manufacturer's site. Broadcom Community Reliable Secondary Sources (OEMs)

Because ESXi 5.5 is legacy software, hardware vendors often still host their custom ISOs: Dell Support

: Dell often provides archived customized images for their servers, such as ESXi 5.5 Update 3 ESXi 5.5 Update 2 HPE Support : Similar to Dell, you can check the HPE Support Center for customized driver CDs or images. HPE Support Center Support Status Warning VMware ESXi - endoflife.date

The search for a VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO download is often a journey into the "archaeology" of enterprise virtualization. Released in September 2013, ESXi 5.5 was a watershed version that introduced massive scalability, such as 62TB virtual disks (VMDKs), a jump from the previous 2TB limit. However, because it reached End of General Support on September 19, 2018, obtaining the ISO today requires navigating legacy portals rather than modern storefronts. Where to Download ESXi 5.5 ISOs

Since VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom, the primary official source for all legacy downloads has migrated. VMware ESXi 5.5 Update 3 | Driver Details | Dell US

* Version. 5.5U3, A12. * Release date. 20 Sep 2018. * Download Type. DVD ISO Images. * Category. Enterprise Solutions. VMware ESXi 5.5 Image | Driver Details | Dell US

They want a feature related to the download. But perhaps they are asking for information on how to download the ISO, or maybe features of the ESXi 5.5 itself. Let me clarify. VMware ESXi is a hypervisor, and 5.5 is an older version. The user might be looking to download the ISO for legacy systems or a specific use case. However, the official website might not have 5.5 available anymore, so they might need an alternative.

Wait, the user is asking for a "feature" about it, not a tutorial. Features could refer to the functionalities within the ISO or the aspects of downloading it. Maybe they want to know what's in the ISO or why someone would need it. Alternatively, maybe they want to compare ESXi 5.5 with newer versions. I need to structure the answer to cover both the download process and the key features of ESXi 5.5.

First, I should outline the features of VMware ESXi 5.5. What were the main updates compared to previous versions? Enhanced virtual machine support, hardware compatibility, management features like vMotion, Storage vMotion, HA, DRS, etc. But also note that it's outdated and not supported anymore. Then, address the download aspect: where to get it, steps to download, and important considerations like support, security risks, and compatibility.

Wait, but if they want the ISO downloaded now, they might need to find it through VMware's legacy portal or contact support. Also, legal aspects: ensure they have a valid license if they're using it in production. Maybe they're using it for testing or education. I should mention that using older software has security vulnerabilities and isn't recommended for production environments.

Putting it all together: the answer should first list the key features of ESXi 5.5, then explain the download process, highlight that it's deprecated, and advise caution. Also, provide alternatives like upgrading to a newer version. Make sure to mention official channels for downloading the ISO, but note that it's no longer available publicly and might require a support request.

I need to check if there are any specific features in ESXi 5.5 that are worth highlighting. For example, support for newer hardware at the time, improved vSphere features, etc. Also, mention limitations, like lack of support for the latest hardware. The user might need this for an old server or educational purposes.

Make sure the answer is clear, structured, and addresses both features of the product and the download process, while advising on the risks of using outdated software. Avoid technical jargon where possible and provide actionable steps if they still proceed with the download.

VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO Download: Key Features and Considerations

Overview of VMware ESXi 5.5
VMware ESXi 5.5 is an older version of VMware's bare-metal hypervisor, released in 2013. While newer versions are available, ESXi 5.5 was notable for its time, offering core virtualization capabilities for servers. However, it has since reached its End of Life (EOL), meaning VMware no longer provides support, updates, or security patches.

Editions Available

VMware ESXi 5.5 came in several flavors:

The Hard Truth: End of Life (EOL)

What does this mean? If you install ESXi 5.5 on a machine connected to the internet or any modern network, you are exposing yourself to known, unpatched vulnerabilities (e.g., CVE-2018-6981, CVE-2019-5541). Only use ESXi 5.5 in completely offline, isolated, or air-gapped environments.

How to Download the ESXi 5.5 ISO

Because the software is EOL, the download links are no longer prominently featured on the main VMware download page. You must have an active VMware Customer Connect account to access the legacy download section.

Step 2: Verify Checksums (If Available)

Use these commands (example for build 1331820 – find actual hashes on VMware KB 2096141):

Windows (PowerShell):

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 .\VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.5.0-1331820.x86_64.iso

Linux/macOS:

sha256sum VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.5.0-1331820.x86_64.iso

If the hash doesn’t match a known official source, destroy the ISO immediately.

Hardware Compatibility Considerations

If you are installing ESXi 5.5 on modern hardware, you will likely run into issues. ESXi 5.5 was released in 2013.

Summary

While the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO is still accessible through the legacy portal for those with accounts, using this version poses significant security and operational risks. It should strictly be used for:

  1. Lab environments for training purposes.
  2. Legacy hardware that cannot be upgraded.
  3. Temporary maintenance of a legacy system pending migration.

If you are running this in production, prioritize planning a migration path to VMware ESXi 7.0, 8.0, or an alternative hypervisor immediately.

Step 1: Log in to VMware Customer Connect

Visit customerconnect.vmware.com and log in with your credentials.