Use modern virtualization software for learning and testing. Cost: Approximately $210/year. How to do it:
Broadcom's legal stance is clear: these keys are , not authentic, and using them violates the End User License Agreement (EULA). For any professional or business context, this is a non-starter.
Some GitHub repositories provide tools or scripts to manage ESXi license keys. Keep in mind that these repositories might not be officially supported by VMware, and you should use them at your own risk. Here are a few examples:
While Broadcom has officially discontinued the free vSphere Hypervisor program for modern versions, many administrators still utilize legitimately obtained legacy keys from their old VMware portal accounts. If you work in an organization that previously deployed vSphere 5.x, check your internal software inventory portals, IT asset management systems, or old procurement emails for a legitimate license string. Why Upgrading From ESXi 5.5 is Critical esxi 55 license key github better
: Legacy versions like ESXi 5.5 reached End of General Support (EOGS) years ago. Combining unsupported software with illegitimate keys leaves you completely exposed during a system failure. Why Upgrading or Shifting is Better Than Searching for Keys
For $200/year, VMware User Group (VMUG) offers a legit license for nearly all VMware software, including ESXi (all versions back to 6.0, but 5.5 keys are often available via legacy activation). This is the "better" route for serious homelabs.
Since the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, legacy licensing structures have been completely overhauled. Legacy evaluation portals are offline, meaning a leaked license key won't grant you access to legitimate patches, drivers, or official installation ISO files. The Comparison: Legacy ESXi vs. Modern Solutions Use modern virtualization software for learning and testing
Users often turn to GitHub to find license keys because VMware (now Broadcom) has significantly changed how it distributes free licenses.
While finding a key on GitHub is faster than scouring old emails, it comes with caveats:
: General support for version 5.5 ended on September 19, 2018 , and all technical guidance ended in September 2020 . For any professional or business context, this is
Do you specifically need , or are you open to open-source alternatives ? Share public link
Inject community-made VIBs (drivers) for modern SATA controllers.