Downloading the VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO has become significantly more complex due to the product's age and the transition of VMware assets to the Broadcom Support Portal. As of 2026, version 5.5 is considered obsolete and is long past its official support lifecycle. 1. Official Download Methods (Broadcom Portal)
Broadcom has replaced the former VMware Customer Connect with its own support portal. While legacy versions are sometimes available, they generally require a valid entitlement or subscription.
Registration: You must register an account on the Broadcom Support Portal.
Navigation: Once logged in, navigate to My Downloads > VMware Cloud Foundation > VMware vSphere.
Version Selection: Use the dropdown menus to find legacy releases like 5.5. Note that standard versions may show as "Not Entitled" if you do not have an active support contract.
Manufacturer-Specific ISOs: If the standard ISO is unavailable, check the "Custom ISOs" tab. Hardware manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo often provide their own customized images that may still be accessible. 2. Alternative Sources (OEM Downloads)
Hardware vendors frequently host their own customized versions of ESXi 5.5 for their specific server lines. These are often easier to find if you are using supported hardware:
Dell Support: Dell maintains driver pages for specific server models (e.g., PowerEdge) that include downloads for ESXi 5.5 Update 3 and Update 2.
IBM/Lenovo: Technical guides for legacy IBM System x servers may still point to available driver sets and ISO images. 3. Critical Support Lifecycle Status
Before installing ESXi 5.5, consider the significant security and operational risks associated with using unsupported software: Date Reached Initial Release September 19, 2013 End of General Support September 19, 2018 End of Technical Guidance September 19, 2020 VMware ESXi 5.5 Update 2 | Driver Details | Dell US
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. vmware esxi 5.5 iso download
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:
VMware ESXi 5.5 is an end-of-life (EOL) product that is no longer directly available for general download from the primary Broadcom Support Portal. However, you can still find official customized versions and archive links through hardware partners. 📥 Download Options for ESXi 5.5 1. Official Hardware Vendor ISOs
If you are using specific server hardware, vendors still host customized ESXi 5.5 images containing necessary drivers:
Dell Technologies: Offers various versions, including the ESXi 5.5 Update 3 ISO and Update 1.
Lenovo: Maintains a download landing page for ESXi 5.5 Update 3a.
HPE: Customized images were historically available via the HPE Support Center. 2. Archive & Community Sources
For general use in a lab environment, community-maintained archives often host these legacy files:
BetaArchive: Hosts various builds, such as ESXi 5.5 Update 1.
VMware Tools: Older versions of VMware Tools for 5.5u3 remain accessible via VMware's package index. 🛠️ Installation & Configuration Summary Phase Key Actions Preparation
Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB from the ISO. Booting Select "ESXi 5 standard installer" from the boot menu. Setup
Press F11 to initiate install; process takes 10–15 minutes. Post-Install Access system config with F2 to set static IP and DNS. Access
Use the legacy vSphere Client for Windows to manage the host. ⚠️ Important Considerations VMware ESXi 5.5 Update 3 | Driver Details | Dell US
You will typically see several options. The most common download is the VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) 5.5.
Assuming you’ve obtained an ISO, follow this rigorous checklist.
ESXi 5.5 had several updates. Each update includes critical driver fixes and security patches (up to the EOL date). The most stable and final release is ESXi 5.5 Update 3.
| Version | Build Number | Release Date | Key Notes | |---------|--------------|---------------|------------| | ESXi 5.5.0 GA | 1331820 | Sep 2013 | Initial release | | ESXi 5.5 Update 1 | 1623387 | Mar 2014 | Improved Web Client | | ESXi 5.5 Update 2 | 2068190 | Sep 2014 | SSD/HDD detection fixes | | ESXi 5.5 Update 3 | 3116895 | Sep 2015 | Final major update | | ESXi 5.5 Update 3b | 3568722 | Dec 2015 | Security & stability fixes | | ESXi 5.5 Patch 10 (last) | 8294253 | Feb 2020 | Final patch (limited availability) | Downloading the VMware ESXi 5
Recommendation: Always download the highest build number available (e.g., 3568722 or later patches if accessible). This ensures you have the most up-to-date drivers and fixes within the 5.5 branch.
Many organizations that migrated from ESXi 5.5 to newer versions still keep a "cold storage" ISO. If you work in IT, check:
\\legacy-files\software\vmware\)Always ask your IT security team before installing—they may have policies against EOL software.
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.
For a direct download, always consult VMware's official channels or your organization’s software lifecycle policies.
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? Step 3: Choose the Correct Binary You will
Free ESXi 6.5 - How to Download and get License Keys - virten.net
Finding a legitimate VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO download is increasingly difficult following the Broadcom acquisition of VMware. Since ESXi 5.5 is more than a decade old and officially unsupported, it has been removed from most public-facing general download pages. Where to Find VMware ESXi 5.5 ISO Downloads
While Broadcom has shifted its focus to subscription-based models like VMware Cloud Foundation, some legacy paths still exist for finding this specific installer:
Manufacturer-Specific ISOs (Recommended): Major hardware vendors like Dell, HP, and Lenovo often host customized ESXi 5.5 images designed for their specific server hardware. These are typically the easiest "official" versions to find.
Dell: You can find specific builds such as ESXi 5.5 Update 2 or Update 3 on their support site.
Broadcom Support Portal: If you have an existing account or "entitlement" from a past purchase, you can try searching the Broadcom Support Portal. However, older versions are frequently hidden or restricted to those with active support contracts.
Legacy Community Gists: Some developers keep lists of direct download links on platforms like GitHub Gists, though you should always verify the file's MD5/SHA checksum before installation. Critical End-of-Life Information
If you are planning to deploy ESXi 5.5 today, you must be aware of its support status: End of General Support: September 19, 2018. End of Technical Guidance: September 19, 2020.
Security Risks: Because it is past its lifecycle, ESXi 5.5 does not receive security patches, bug fixes, or maintenance updates. It is highly vulnerable to modern exploits and should only be used in isolated, non-production labs. Key Installation Steps
Once you have secured the ISO, the installation process generally follows these steps:
Verify Hardware: ESXi 5.5 was designed for older hardware. Check the VMware Compatibility Guide to ensure your CPU and NIC are supported.
Create Bootable Media: Use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to burn the ISO to a USB flash drive or CD.
Bios Settings: Ensure virtualization technology (VT-x or AMD-V) is enabled in your server’s BIOS.
Host Configuration: After installation, use the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) to set a static IP address and hostname. Should You Still Use ESXi 5.5?
Install VMware ESXi & Create Your First VM: Step-by-Step - StarWind
Before attempting to download ESXi 5.5, it is critical to understand its lifecycle status:
What this means for you:
Recommendation: Only use ESXi 5.5 in isolated, air-gapped lab environments for legacy application testing or educational purposes. For production, migrate to ESXi 7.0 or 8.0.
Once logged in, navigating to the specific version can be tricky as the interface changes. Generally, follow these steps: