To unlock its features, you must apply a valid license key. Without a key, the hypervisor operates on a 60-day evaluation license with full features enabled. Once this evaluation period expires, management capabilities are blocked, and powered-off VMs cannot be started. The Evolution of the Free vSphere Hypervisor License
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:
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?
Gone. Deactivated. Probably flagged in some distant mothership server when the company’s maintenance contract lapsed three years ago.
Once you have acquired a license key, you can apply it via the vSphere Client (the thick client) or direct host console. license key vmware esxi 5.5
VMware previously offered a zero-cost option known as the VMware vSphere Hypervisor (Free Edition). This tier used a specific license key that stripped out enterprise features to suit home labs and SMBs.
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VMware ESXi 5.5 is a popular virtualization platform used by many organizations to create and manage virtual machines. To use ESXi 5.5, a valid license key is required. In this report, we will discuss the importance of a license key for ESXi 5.5, how to obtain one, and the different types of license keys available. To unlock its features, you must apply a valid license key
Free license keys restrict the host from connecting to vCenter Server. Management must be done individually per host via the vSphere Client desktop application. Key Features by License Edition
The legacy Windows-based desktop client is the primary management interface for standalone ESXi 5.5 hosts.
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
: 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 The Evolution of the Free vSphere Hypervisor License
Free ESXi hosts cannot be added to a centralized VMware vCenter Server. They must be managed individually using the vSphere Client.
In ESXi 5.5, VMware removed the physical RAM limitation (which was 32 GB in version 5.0), allowing the free license to run on hosts with unlimited physical memory. However, it capped virtual CPUs (vCPUs) at 8 per virtual machine.
Licensing is applied per physical CPU (socket) on the host machine. A single license key can carry a specific capacity (e.g., a key valid for 2 CPUs can activate a dual-socket server). The Evaluation Period vs. Licensed State
As of 2024, VMware (now owned by Broadcom) has ceased issuing new free license keys for older products like ESXi 5.5. Furthermore, , meaning there are no security updates, patches, or technical support available. It should not be used in production environments. How to Apply a License Key in ESXi 5.5