In the 5.5 era, VMware offered a license. Users could register on the VMware portal to receive a perpetual key that removed the 60-day evaluation limit, though it restricted the host to physical RAM limits (removed in later patches) and prevented management via vCenter Server. 2. Broadcom’s Big Change
When you first install ESXi 5.5, it runs in for 60 days. This unlocks all enterprise features , including: license key vmware esxi 5.5
Because ESXi 5.5 is end-of-life (EOL), you cannot buy new licenses from Broadcom (formerly VMware). However, legitimate keys can still be obtained under specific conditions: In the 5
These were the tiers for large-scale data centers. Broadcom’s Big Change When you first install ESXi 5
Some common issues related to ESXi 5.5 license keys include:
: It supports up to 320 physical CPUs and 4TB of host memory.
| Source | Feasibility | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | High | Log in to my.vmware.com (or Broadcom portal). Check "My Products" → "Downloads & Licenses" for ESXi 5.5 keys. | | Physical media or sticker | Medium | Some OEM servers (Dell, HPE) shipped with a license key sticker on the chassis or in documentation. | | Employer’s legacy assets | Medium | If your company purchased vSphere 5.5, the key may be in an old finance or IT asset log. | | VMUG Advantage archive | Low | VMware User Group (VMUG) licenses are for evaluation only and have expired. | | Reseller or partner | Very Low | Most resellers will not sell EOL software, but some may sell existing stock. Expect to pay a premium. |