How to Update VMware Tools on a Host Using vCenter and Lifecycle Manager (Step-by-Step Guide)

Keeping your VMware Tools up to date is essential for maintaining the performance, compatibility, and stability of your virtual infrastructure.
Outdated tools can lead to degraded performance, network issues, or even compatibility problems between vCenter Server, ESXi hosts, and virtual machines (VMs).

In this guide, you’ll learn how to update VMware Tools on a host using vCenter Server and Lifecycle Manager, including all prerequisites, baseline creation, and remediation steps.

Why Updating VMware Tools Is Important

Regularly updating VMware Tools ensures that your VMs and ESXi hosts benefit from:

• Improved performance and resource efficiency
• Enhanced stability and security
• Support for new guest operating systems
• Fixes for known bugs and compatibility issues

Prerequisites Before You Begin

• Before updating VMware Tools, ensure the following requirements are met:
• vCenter Server: Installed, configured, and managing your ESXi hosts.
• ESXi Host: The host must be running VMware ESXi and connected to vCenter.
• Permissions: The logged-in user must have privileges to perform updates.
• Network Connectivity: Ensure the host can connect to both vCenter Server and the internet.
• VMware Tools Offline Bundle: Download the latest VMware Tools bundle (.zip) file.
• Lifecycle Manager: Must be installed and accessible in vCenter.
• Available Resources: Ensure the host has adequate storage and memory to complete the update.

Step 1: Download the Latest VMware Tools Bundle

1. Visit the official VMware Customer Connect website.
2. Download the latest VMware Tools offline bundle (ZIP file) to your local machine.
3. Keep the file handy for uploading to vCenter Lifecycle Manager.

Step 2: Create a Baseline in Lifecycle Manager

To manage the update process, create a baseline in vCenter Lifecycle Manager:

1. Log in to vCenter Server and navigate to Lifecycle Manager.
2. Click “Actions” → “Upload Update.”
3. Select the VMware Tools ZIP file you downloaded earlier.
4. Follow the prompts to the last page and confirm the upload.
5. Click Finish to create the VMware Tools baseline successfully.

Step 3: Attach and Remediate the Baseline

Now that your baseline is ready, apply it to your ESXi hosts:

1. Go to vCenter Inventory and select the desired Datacenter.
2. Click on the Updates tab.
3. Choose Attach Baseline Group and select the one you just created.
4. Run a Compliance Check to identify which hosts need updating.
5. Select the non-compliant hosts and click Remediate to begin the update.

Step 4: Prepare and Update the Host

Before remediating, ensure your host is properly prepared:

1. Migrate all VMs from the target host.
2. Enter Maintenance Mode to prevent disruption during the update.
3. In Lifecycle Manager, run a compliance check for the host again.
4. Select Remediate to apply the latest VMware Tools.
5. Once the process completes, exit Maintenance Mode.
6. Migrate your VMs back to the host.

Step 5: Update VMware Tools on Virtual Machines

Finally, align your VMs with the updated host tools:

1. Right-click each VM and select Guest OS → VMware Tools → Match VM Tools to Host.
2. Reboot the VM when prompted to apply changes.

This ensures your virtual machines use the same version of VMware Tools as your ESXi host, improving consistency and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Updating VMware Tools on a host is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that keeps your virtual infrastructure secure, stable, and optimized.
By following this guide and using vCenter Server with Lifecycle Manager, you can automate updates, ensure compliance, and benefit from the latest VMware features and patches.

Regular updates also reduce compatibility issues, making it easier to manage your virtual environment effectively.