Click on the tab. This section contains OEM-specific builds, separating them from the generic VMware base images. 6. Download the HPE Image
Ensure the partition scheme is set to or GPT depending on whether your server is configured for legacy BIOS or modern UEFI boot mode. Click Start to burn the image. vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image
Once downloaded, you can deploy the ISO to your HPE ProLiant server using one of two primary enterprise methods: Method 1: HPE iLO Virtual Media (Recommended) Click on the tab
For physical access, create a bootable USB drive. Write the HPE Custom ISO image to a USB key using tools like Rufus, Ventoy, or the dd command on Linux. Insert the USB into a server port (avoid accidentally plugging it into the dedicated iLO USB port, which will not boot the system), boot the server, and press the F11 key to enter the "One-Time Boot Menu," selecting the USB drive as the boot device. Download the HPE Image Ensure the partition scheme
| Feature | Vanilla VMware ISO | HPE Custom ISO | |---------|--------------------|----------------| | | Generic | Optimized for HPE Smart Array, Broadcom, Mellanox | | Hardware monitoring | Basic | Full iLO integration (temperature, power, fans) | | CLI tools | Standard esxcli | HPE-specific commands ( hpssacli , ssacli ) | | vSphere Lifecycle Manager | Manual driver injection | Native support with HPE Add-on | | Security | VMware defaults | HPE Secure Boot & firmware validation | | Support | VMware only | VMware + HPE (no "finger-pointing") |
ESXi 7 is now mature. The latest stable version as of 2024 is (build numbers vary). HPE releases custom images roughly 4–6 weeks after each VMware patch.