How to Create VMware ESXi ISO with Latest Patches

What are latest patches for VMware ESXi ISO

Patches for VMware ESXi ISO are packages used to fix and upgrade the VMware ESXi operating system. They are fixes for known issues and vulnerabilities that improve the security, reliability and performance of the system.

Typically, VMware releases patches for the ESXi ISO periodically to address any issues found in the latest version of ESXi. These patches can include security updates, performance enhancements, feature improvements and bug fixes, which can help you improve the security, reliability, and performance of your virtualized environment.

However, VMware only provides installable ISO files for updates, not for patches. So this article describes how to quickly create an VMware ESXi ISO with latest patch step by step.

How to create VMware ESXi ISO with latest patches

The method of installing patches for ESXi ISO typically involves downloading them to your local computer and then applying them to your ESXi host. You can apply these patches using vSphere Update Manager, the ESXCLI command line tool, or by installing them manually.

So this article will build a new VMware ESXi ISO which integrates the latest patches inside.

Step 1. Download PowerCLI and latest patches

1. PowerCLI: download and install PowerCLI. Navigate to Downloads >> All Products>> VMware vSphere >> Drivers&Tools >> Automation Tools and SDKs.

2. ESXi patch: download the latest ESXi patch. Navigate to VMware Patches Portal, and select ESXi (Embedded and Installable) >> Version 7.0.1 and click Search.

3. Download the most upper one, and save the file to your own workstation.

Note: Don’t extract the .zip file, just leave it intact.

Steps 2. Create VMware ESXi ISO with latest patches

1. Start VMware PowerCLI.

2. "cd" to the temporary folder you just created, and enter the place shown below, then enter the command

import - module VMware.PowerCLI
Add – ESXSoftwareDeport . < your .ZIP file>

3. Enter this command “Get - ESXimageProfile | ft - AutoSize”, then the profile name will show.

Note: Without “ft - AutoSize”, it will cut the end of the name

4. Enter the last command “Export - ESXImageProfile - ImageProfile ESXi - 7.0U1a - 17119627 - standard - ExportToISO - FilePath ESXi - 7.0U1a - 17119627.iso”, as the following:

5. The next step is very simple, you only need use the ISO you just created with VMware PowerCLI and use Rufus to burn the ISO to a USB drive for installation on the physical ESXi host.

Note: You will choose the USB driver, the ISO image in the folder where you specified in the VMware PowerCLI command. Then in Partition scheme, please select MBR, or there will be an error on the host.

Essential Measures for Securing Your ESXi Virtual Machine

If you're planning to install a patch for your ESXi virtual machines, it's important to take some necessary precautions to avoid any potential risks or data loss. Before proceeding with the installation, it's highly recommended that you fully understand the scope of the patch and what issues it addresses.

To minimize any chances of data loss or file corruption, we suggest backing up your ESXi virtual machines using reliable backup software such as AOMEI Cyber Backup. This VMware backup software is designed to help you backup multiple running virtual machines with ease, ensuring that all your critical data remains safe and secure in case of any accidents or unexpected events.

By taking these essential measures, you can ensure that your ESXi virtual machines remain protected at all times, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business.

Agentless Backup: Create complete and independent image-level backup for VMware ESXi VMs.
Support Free ESXi: Support both paid and free versions of VMware ESXi.
Various Backup Methods: Besides full backup, you can also perform incremental or differential VM backup to capture only changed data and save storage space.
Automated Hot Backup: Auto backup running VMs and notify via email.
Restore to new location: Besides in-place recovery, you can restore a VM to new location in the same or another datastore/host/vCenter.

Install AOMEI Cyber Backup today and safeguard your valuable data against any potential threats or mishaps, please click the button below to try AOMEI Cyber Backup for a 30-day free trial:

And here are the steps on how to quickly back up VMware ESXi VMs:

Step 1. Access to AOMEI Cyber Backup web client, select Source Device >> VMware >> Add VMware Device. Then Add vCenter or Standalone ESXi to add a host. And then click … to Bind Device.

Step 2. Create Backup Task: Navigate to Backup Task >> Create New Task. Then select VMware ESXi Backup >> Backup Type. After that, set the Task Name, Device, Target, Schedule and Cleanup according to your need.

Step 3. Click Start Backup and choose Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only.

Step 4. Once the backup is complete, the restore process is also very simple. Navigate to Start Restore, you can change restore location here to create a new VM or another datastore/host.

Conclusion

A VMware ESXi ISO with latest patches improves the security, reliability, and performance of your virtualized environment. Backing up your ESXi hosts and virtual machines is a form of insurance for your data. Usually, it's only after something happens that we crash without taking precautions, so hopefully this article will remind you to be more attentive to your data security.