Accessing and downloading your ESXi server software is a crucial step in setting up your virtual infrastructure. For users entitled to VMware products through Broadcom, the Broadcom Support portal is your primary hub. This guide walks you through the process of efficiently navigating the portal to find and download the ESXi ISOs and patches you need.
Whether you are looking for a full ESXi ISO for a fresh installation or specific patch builds to update your existing servers, this article provides clear, step-by-step instructions to streamline your download process.
Downloading ESXi Full ISOs
Full ISOs are essential for new ESXi installations. Here’s how to locate them within the Broadcom Support portal:
- Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal: Begin by navigating to the Broadcom Support portal and logging in with your registered credentials. If you are a first-time user, you will need to register first.
- Select VMware Cloud Foundations Entitlement: Once logged in, use the dropdown menu next to your username. Choose VMware Cloud Foundations from the options provided. This ensures you are viewing the correct entitlements for VMware products.
- Access My Downloads: On the left-hand menu, click on My Downloads. This section is where all your entitled software downloads are located.
- Search for VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi): In the search bar at the upper right of the page, type in “VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi)”. This will filter the products to show the ESXi downloads.
- Navigate to Product Downloads: Under the Products Tab, locate and click on your VMware vSphere user entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere – Enterprise).
- Choose vSphere Major Version: Select the specific major version of vSphere you require from the available options.
- View ESXi Group: Click View Group on the right side of the VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) item.
- Select Desired Version: Use the version dropdown menu in the upper right to pinpoint and select the exact ESXi version you need to download.
It’s important to note that while most Full ISOs are found under the Products tab, some versions, along with patch files, might be located under the Solutions tab. Always check both tabs if you are having trouble locating a specific ISO.
Downloading ESXi Patch Builds
Patch builds are crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your ESXi servers. Here’s how to download ESXi patches:
- Log in and Select VMware Cloud Foundations: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Full ISO download instructions to log in and select VMware Cloud Foundations.
- Access My Downloads: Navigate to the My Downloads section as described in step 3 of the Full ISO instructions.
- Search for VMware vSphere: In the search bar, type “VMware vSphere”.
- Go to Solutions Tab: This time, ensure you are in the Solutions Tab.
- Choose vSphere Entitlement: Select your VMware vSphere user entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere – Enterprise).
- Select Major Version: Choose the major vSphere version you need.
- Find and Select ESXi Version: Locate the desired ESXi version from the list provided and click on it. This will take you to the patch download section for that specific version.
Downloading Custom ISOs & OEM Addons
Custom ISOs and OEM Addons are tailored for specific hardware and can enhance compatibility and performance. Here’s how to download them:
- Log in and Select VMware Cloud Foundations: Complete steps 1 and 2 from the Full ISO download guide to log in and select VMware Cloud Foundations.
- Access My Downloads: Go to the My Downloads section as described in step 3 of the Full ISO instructions.
- Search for VMware vSphere: Search for “VMware vSphere” in the search bar.
- Navigate to Products Tab: Ensure you are under the Products Tab.
- Choose vSphere Entitlement: Select your VMware vSphere entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere – Enterprise).
- Select Major Version: Choose the relevant major version of vSphere.
- Access Custom ISOs or OEM Addons Tab: Select either the Custom ISOs tab or the OEM Addons tab, depending on what you are looking for.
- Download Desired Files: Click on the specific Custom ISO or Addon based on the OEM name and ESXi version. Download the deliverable and the associated readme file, which contains links to OEM documentation.
- Accept EULA and Address Verifications: You may need to accept the Broadcom EULA by checking a checkbox and address any legal, export/trade, or other verifications as required.
Important Note on Custom ISOs and OEM Addons: All Custom ISO and OEM content within a specific tab for a given vSphere version is identical. For example, the “Dell Custom Image for ESXi 8.0U2 Install CD” is the same file regardless of where it appears. There is only one unique OEM Custom ISO and Addon download per OEM server and ESXi version, irrespective of your vSphere entitlements.
Alternatively, you can also find Custom ISOs and OEM Addons directly from the VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) group:
- View ESXi Group: Click View Group against VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) under VMware vSphere – Enterprise.
- Select ESXi Release: Choose your desired ESXi release from the dropdown under the Primary Downloads tab.
- Go to Custom ISOs or OEM Addons Tab: Navigate to the Custom ISOs or OEM Addons tab.
- Download Files: Click on the desired Custom ISO or Addon by OEM name or ESXi version and proceed to download the files and readme.
By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently download your ESXi server software, patches, Custom ISOs, and OEM Addons from the Broadcom Support portal, ensuring your virtual infrastructure is up-to-date and optimized.
