Why Custom HPE VMware ESXi Image?
Standard VMware ESXi ISO, is the easiest and most reliable way to install ESXi on HPE servers. It includes all of the required drivers and management software to run ESXi on HPE servers, and works seamlessly with Intelligent Provisioning.
Certain HPE servers require the use of the HPE Customized image for a successful installation. The drivers for the new network and storage controllers in the servers are integrated in the HPE Customized image and are not part of the generic ESXi image that is distributed by VMware. ESXi requires drivers for these controllers to be integrated as you are not able to insert them during installation. To determine if your server requires the HPE Customized image, refer to the Server Support Matrix.
Options for Using HPE Customizations for VMware ESXi
A. Download the completely customized HPE ESXi image.
B. Download the HPE ESXi Offline Bundles and third-party driver bundles included in the HPE Customized image and apply them to your VMware ESXi downloaded from VMware.
C. Build your own custom ESXi image, choosing from the HPE ESXi Offline Bundles portfolio and third-party driver bundles included in the HPE Customized image.
These downloads are available for customers according to the terms in the HPE Software License Agreement. Certain software may require a valid warranty, current support contract with HPE, or a license fee.
A. HPE Customized ESXi Image
ESXi Downloads:
- New* ESXi 6.7 U3 Dec 2019 – Support Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.7 U2 Apr 2019 - Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.7 U1 Apr 2019 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.7 Sept 2018 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- New* ESXi 6.5 U3 Dec 2019 – Support Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.5 U2 Apr 2019 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.5 U1 Feb 2018 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- New* ESXi 6.5 U3 Dec 2019 - Last Pre-Gen9 custom image
- ESXi 6.5 U2 Sept 2018 – Last Pre-Gen9 custom image
- ESXi 6.5 U1 Nov 2017 – Last Pre-Gen9 custom image
- ESXi 6.5 Oct 26, 2017 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.5 May 2017 – Last Pre-Gen9 custom image
- ESXi 6.0 U3 Sept 2019 – Supports Gen9 Servers and forward
- ESXi 6.0 U3 Sept 2018 – Last Pre-Gen9 custom image
- ESXi 6.0 U2 Dec 2016
- ESXi 6.0 U1 Jan 2016
- ESXi 6.0 July 2015
- Contents of Above Images
B. HPE VMware ESXi Offline Bundles
For customers already using VMware ESXi, it is recommended that you update to the latest version on their supported at your earliest convenience.
VMware Update Manager and ESXCLI compliant HPE bundles and third-party drivers included in the HPE Customized image are available from HPE vibsdepot.
C. Build Your Own Custom ESXi Image
- VMware Image Builder-compliant HPE bundles and third-party drivers included in the HPE Customized image available from HPE vibsdepot.