VMware vCenter Server 5.1 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
VMware vCenter Server 5.1 reached end of life on 24 Aug 2016. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the VMware vCenter Server release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 13 Aug 2012 | — |
| End of life | 24 Aug 2016 | 10.0 years ago |
| Latest release | 5.1 U3d · 19 May 2016 | final |
Where to go from 5.1
Recommended target: VMware vCenter Server 9.1 (supported until 12 Aug 2028).
The newest actively supported branch is VMware vCenter Server 9.1 (latest release 9.1.0.0300).
Frequently asked questions
Is VMware vCenter Server 5.1 still safe to use?
VMware vCenter Server 5.1 reached end of life on 24 Aug 2016, 3,637 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download VMware vCenter Server 5.1?
Yes — the final release (5.1 U3d) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade VMware vCenter Server 5.1 to?
Upgrade to VMware vCenter Server 9.1, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 12 Aug 2028).