How to Update ESXi Hosts via ESXCLI (Step-by-Step Guide)

Updating ESXi hosts via ESXCLI is one of the most efficient ways to maintain a secure and stable VMware environment.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites Before Updating ESXi Hosts

Before jumping into the update process, ensure you have the following in place:

Stable Internet Connection
Basic Linux Terminal Knowledge
Patience – Some updates take time!

⚡ Also, always verify hardware and software compatibility from VMware’s Interop Matrix before proceeding.

Download the ESXi Update Bundle

Go to the VMware Customer Connect portal.
Download the offline bundle ZIP file (note: ISO files won’t work for CLI-based updates).
Upload the ZIP file to a datastore accessible to your ESXi host.

Access Your ESXi Host via CLI

Run the following command to list available image profiles:

esxcli software sources profile list -d <Image Path>

Image Profile

Update ESXi Host with ESXCLI

To update ESXi using the offline bundle, run:

esxcli software profile update -d <full_path_to_offline_bundle> -p <Image Profile>

For applying patches instead of a full update:

esxcli software vib update -d <full_path_to_offline_bundle>

update ESXi Hosts Via esxcli

Fixing VIB Dependency Errors

Sometimes you may encounter VIB dependency errors during updates. Here’s how to resolve them:

Backup Host Configuration

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/sync_config
vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config

Check Installed Drivers

esxcli network nic list
esxcli storage core adapter list

Remove Unused VIBs

esxcli software vib remove -n <Vib Name>

This helps eliminate unnecessary packages that cause conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the safest way to update ESXi hosts via ESXCLI?

The safest method is using the offline bundle ZIP file with the esxcli software profile update command after verifying compatibility.

Can I use an ISO file instead of a ZIP file for updates?

No. For CLI-based updates, you must use the offline bundle ZIP file. ISO files only work for fresh installations.

How do I fix a VIB dependency error during ESXi updates?

You can fix it by removing unused VIBs, checking installed drivers, and backing up configurations before retrying the update.

Do I need to put my ESXi host in maintenance mode before updating?

Yes, always place the host in maintenance mode to avoid disruptions to running VMs.

Why should I keep my ESXi host updated?

Regular updates improve security, stability, and hardware compatibility, protecting your infrastructure from vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Updating ESXi hosts via ESXCLI is straightforward if you follow the right steps—download the bundle, upload it to your datastore, run the update command, and fix any VIB issues.

👉 By keeping your ESXi hosts updated, you ensure better security, performance, and compatibility across your VMware environment.

Stay tuned for more practical VMware tutorials!