The purpose of this blog post is to provide the guidance and the steps needed to upgrade my current ESXi 7 environment (ESXi 7.0.3 Update 3n build number 21930508) to ESXi 8.0 Update 1 build 21495797.
Release notes for VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 1 build 21495797 can be found here. Below is a screenshot of my current environment:
** Please keep in mind, this guides applies to my personal home lab environment so please proceed with caution and take the appropriate steps including documentation to ensure you have a successful backup. **
I downloaded the Dell Custom Image for ESXi 8.0U1 here:
Since I was planning to boot to a USB thumb drive to conduct the in-place upgrade, I used Rufus to convert the installer. You can learn more about this process here.
I then rebooted my server via my IDRAC interface. Next, go into the BIOS Boot Manager to boot from the USB drive, select F11 and then BIOS Boot Menu:
Select the USB drive to boot to:
ESXI 8 will then begin to load:
Select Enter to continue, followed by F11 to Accept the License Agreement:
Select the drive you’d like to install ESXi 8 onto:
Since I’m doing an in-place upgrade, I selected the first option from the list:
Since my Dell PowerEdge 720XD is not listed on VMware’s HCL, I selected Enter on the next two pop-ups followed by F11 to force the installation:
The ESXI 8 upgrade installation begins:
The upgrade is complete:
Next, I’ll need to apply the license key for v8 via my VMware vExpert account:
As you can see from the image below, the upgrade is complete:
If I have missed anything or if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
If you’re interested in anything related to VMware on my blog, please click on this link.
