VMware vCenter Server End of Support Dates by Version
VMware vCenter Server end of support dates: 11 versions are listed below. 8 are already past VMware's end of support, most recently vCenter Server 7.0 on Oct 2, 2025; the next to end is vCenter Server 9.0 on Sep 17, 2027. VMware sells Broadcom Extended Support for a limited period after that date. Third-party support keeps any of these versions in production after the vendor date, with 24x7 incident response, vulnerability mitigation and compliance documentation, typically at 40-70% below the vendor's renewal.
VMware vCenter Server versions and end of support dates
"Vendor end of support" is the date VMware stops free fixes and security updates. "Extended end" is the end of the paid extension where VMware offers one. Each version links to its own page and quote form.
| Version | Vendor end of support | |
|---|---|---|
| vCenter Server 9.1 | Aug 12, 2028 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 8.0 | Oct 11, 2027 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 9.0 | Sep 17, 2027 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 7.0 | Oct 2, 2025 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 6.5 | Oct 15, 2022 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 6.7 | Oct 15, 2022 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 6.0 | Mar 12, 2020 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 5.5 | Sep 19, 2018 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 5.0 | Aug 24, 2016 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 5.1 | Aug 24, 2016 | Get support |
| vCenter Server 4 | May 21, 2014 | Get support |
Why VMware vCenter Server versions stay in production
vCenter is the management plane for every ESXi cluster and the component most exposed to security advisories. Its lifecycle follows the vSphere release, and an estate holding at 6.7 or 7.0 holds vCenter there too.
The appliance keeps managing the clusters after the end-of-support date. What stops is the stream of patches that vCenter, more than ESXi, tends to need.
How VMware's support lifecycle works for VMware vCenter Server
vCenter Server follows the vSphere lifecycle: General Support, then Technical Guidance without new fixes, with Extended Support available for some releases. Subscription entitlement now governs access to updates.
Because vCenter is the usual target of vSphere CVEs, isolation and hardening matter more here than for the hosts.
What changes on the end of support date
- Broadcom stops shipping vCenter patches and security updates for the release.
- Support cases require Extended Support or are refused.
- The appliance, SSO, lifecycle manager and backups keep working.
Your options after VMware vCenter Server end of support
1. Upgrade to a supported version
Right when the application above it is ready and the budget exists. Wrong as a forced move: an upgrade driven by a support date rather than a business need is where regression bugs and surprise licence costs come from.
2. Buy Broadcom Extended Support
VMware's paid extension buys more time at a price that rises each year and typically covers security fixes only. It keeps the deadline in place and is often the most expensive line in the renewal.
3. Third-party support
Replaces the vendor contract with ours for the versions you run, with no deadline. For VMware vCenter Server that covers:
- Appliance, SSO, certificate, database and lifecycle manager incidents, 24x7
- Network isolation and hardening guidance for unpatched vCenter vulnerabilities
- Backup and recovery of the appliance and inventory
- Upgrade planning for vCenter and the clusters it manages
Not included: new vendor patches or licences. Those stay with VMware; everything operational moves to us.
VMware vCenter Server end of support: frequently asked questions
Which VMware vCenter Server versions are out of support?
vCenter Server 7.0 (Oct 2, 2025), vCenter Server 6.5 (Oct 15, 2022), vCenter Server 6.7 (Oct 15, 2022), vCenter Server 6.0 (Mar 12, 2020), vCenter Server 5.5 (Sep 19, 2018), vCenter Server 5.0 (Aug 24, 2016), vCenter Server 5.1 (Aug 24, 2016), vCenter Server 4 (May 21, 2014). All of them can be covered by third-party support.
Can a vCenter version past end of general support stay in production?
Yes, with hardening and isolation. Third-party support covers appliance incidents and provides mitigation guidance for new vulnerabilities while an upgrade is planned.
Can we upgrade ESXi but keep an old vCenter?
Compatibility rules restrict that; vCenter must be at or above the host version. We plan the sequence as part of support.
What does third-party support for VMware vCenter Server cost?
Typically 40 to 70% below the vendor renewal or extended-support price for the same versions, priced per instance, server or core depending on the product. We return an indicative price within 24 hours and a firm quote within 48.
How do we move VMware vCenter Server to third-party support without a gap?
Start before the vendor renewal date: inventory versions and instances, download all media and fixes you are entitled to, confirm no bundled contract depends on the renewal, then let the vendor support lapse as ours starts. We handle the hand-over checklist with you.
Version-by-version guides
- VMware vCenter Server 8.0 EOL 2027: Budget Guide (Sep 11, 2026)
- VMware vCenter Server 9.0 EOL September 2027 (Aug 17, 2026)
- vCenter 7.0 EOL Oct 2, 2025: Risks & Third-Party Support (Oct 2, 2025)
- VMware vCenter 7.0 EOL Oct 2025: 90-Day Action Plan (Jul 2, 2025)
- vCenter 7.0 EOL Oct 2, 2025 – Act Now (Apr 2, 2025)
- VMware vCenter Server 7.0 EOL Oct 2025 – Upgrade Options (Jan 2, 2025)
- vCenter Server 7.0 EOL: Budget for October 2025 Deadline (Sep 2, 2024)