: This version expands the high-performance storage suite to include NVMe over TCP
Before installing ESXi 7.0.3, you must verify your hardware components are listed on VMware's HCL. Installation on unsupported hardware may work in some cases, but you will not receive technical support and stability cannot be guaranteed.
When navigating the download page, you will encounter several different ISO options. Choosing the correct one prevents installation failures and driver mismatches. Standard VMware Installer ISO
When browsing the download page, you will encounter two primary types of ISO files. Selecting the correct one is vital for hardware compatibility. Standard VMware Installer ISO
For testing and learning purposes, you can obtain a 60-day evaluation copy of ESXi 7.0.3 through VMware's evaluation center without needing a paid license. Visit https://my.vmware.com/en/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=free-esxi7 to register for access.
: ESXi 7.0 Update 3 ("U3") has received numerous patches. VMware only provides full ISO images for some releases. For example, versions like 7.0U3n and 7.0U3i were released as installable ISO files, while others like 7.0U3q and 7.0U3o may only be available as patch ZIP files.
Download a reliable flashing utility like (Windows) or BalenaEtcher (Cross-platform). Insert a USB drive (8GB or larger). Select your downloaded ESXi 7.0.3 ISO.
When the host boots up, the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) grey-and-yellow screen will display. Press to log in using your root credentials. Here, you can assign a static IP address, set a default gateway, specify your primary DNS servers, and assign a clean Hostname to ensure your network can resolve the server properly. 6. Accessing the vSphere Client Dashboard
Select VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0.3 from the dropdown menu.