You can no longer download a free version of the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image directly, as Broadcom officially discontinued the free "Personal Use" ESXi Hypervisor in February 2024.
To obtain the HPE-specific ISO for ESXi 7.x now, you must have an active license or entitlement through the Broadcom Support Portal. Official Download Procedure
Since the migration from VMware Customer Connect, all custom images are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal:
Register/Login: Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal with your registered credentials.
Select Product: Use the dropdown next to your username to select VMware Cloud Foundation.
Find Downloads: Click My Downloads on the left menu and search for VMware vSphere. Filter for Custom ISOs:
Select your entitled vSphere edition (e.g., Enterprise Plus). Choose version 7.0 from the version dropdown. Click the Custom ISOs tab.
Search for HPE: Use the search bar to find "HPE Custom Image" and download the relevant file (e.g., HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3). Important Notes for HPE Hardware
Driver Support: These images are essential for HPE Gen9, Gen10, and newer servers because they include critical drivers for network and storage controllers not found in the generic VMware ISO.
Synergy Servers: Specific images labeled "HPE Synergy only" are required for Synergy hardware to ensure compatibility with the HPE Synergy Software Release sets.
Legacy Hardware: Support for older ProLiant BladeSystems (Pre-Gen9) is frozen and typically uses older image versions (6.0/6.5).
How to Download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.0 (ISO)
If you are running VMware on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hardware, using the standard VMware installer isn't always the best move. To ensure your ProLiant servers run stably and your management tools (like iLO) can actually talk to the OS, you need the HPE Custom Image.
Here is a straightforward guide on how to find, download, and use the ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom ISO for free. Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
While the "vanilla" ESXi ISO from VMware contains generic drivers, the HPE Custom Image includes:
Specific Drivers: For HPE Smart Array controllers, network adapters (NICs), and Fibre Channel HBAs.
Management Providers: Allows HPE OneView and iLO to monitor hardware health (fans, power supplies, temps) directly from the vSphere client.
Stability: These images are tested specifically for ProLiant server architectures. Where to Download ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom ISO vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image free
As of 2024, VMware has transitioned to Broadcom, and the portal has changed. You can generally find these images in two places: 1. The Broadcom Support Portal (Official)
Since Broadcom acquired VMware, all downloads have migrated to the Broadcom Support Portal. Go to the Broadcom Support Portal. Register for a free account if you don't have one. Navigate to VMware Cloud Foundation > vSphere. Select the version (7.0) and go to the Custom ISOs tab.
Look for the entry titled "HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Install CD". 2. The HPE MySupport Portal
HPE often provides direct links to these downloads, though they frequently redirect back to VMware/Broadcom for the actual file transfer.
Search for the "HPE Support Center" and enter your server model (e.g., DL380 Gen10). Under "Software," look for Operating System-Enhanced SW. Is it Free? Yes and No. The Software: The ISO file itself is free to download.
The Licensing: VMware ESXi 7.0 can be used with a Free Evaluation License (60 days) or the Free Version (limited to 2 physical CPUs and no vCenter management).
Note: Broadcom recently changed the "Free Edition" availability. If you cannot find the free tier, you may need a VMUG Advantage subscription or an active trial. How to Install Using the ISO
Once you have downloaded the .iso file (typically named something like VMware-ESXi-7.0.x-xxx-HPE-70x.x.x-xxx.iso):
Mount via iLO: Log into your server’s iLO web interface, go to Remote Console, and use the Virtual Media tab to mount the ISO.
Create a Bootable USB: Use a tool like Rufus to "burn" the ISO to a USB drive if you are physically at the server.
Boot the Server: Restart the ProLiant server, press F11 for the Boot Menu, and select your mounted ISO/USB.
Follow the Prompts: The installation is identical to the standard ESXi process. Quick Compatibility Check
Before installing, ensure your server is on the VMware Compatibility Guide. Generally: HPE Gen10/Gen10 Plus: Fully supported for ESXi 7.0. HPE Gen9: Supported, but check specific CPU generations.
HPE Gen8 and older: Not officially supported for version 7.0 (requires 6.5 or 6.7).
Pro Tip: Always update your server's Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) firmware before installing a new ESXi version to prevent driver-firmware mismatches.
Downloading a ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image for free has become significantly more complex following VMware's acquisition by Broadcom. While these images remain the standard for HPE ProLiant and Synergy hardware due to pre-integrated drivers, the distribution process has shifted from open public links to an entitlement-based system on the Broadcom Support Portal Accessing the HPE Custom Image (Official Method)
HPE no longer hosts current ESXi 7.0 ISOs directly; instead, they redirect users to Broadcom. To download officially, you must have an active support contract or an entitled vSphere license registered with Broadcom. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Register/Log In : Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and register with the email associated with your licenses. Navigate to Downloads VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu, then click My Downloads on the left sidebar. Search for vSphere : Search for VMware vSphere You can no longer download a free version
and select your specific entitlement (e.g., Enterprise Plus). Select Version and Tab Version 7.0 and navigate to the Custom ISOs Filter for HPE : Search for to locate the latest custom builds, such as ESXi 7.0 Update 3 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Archived and Legacy Downloads
For older hardware like HPE Gen9 or specific builds that are no longer "current," you may find success through legacy repositories: VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
ESXi 7.0 U3—HPE Synergy only Nov 2024. From the Custom ISOs tab, locate and select the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 Install CD. Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE Custom Image for VMware vSphere 7.0 Update 3
To download the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal, which has replaced the previous VMware Customer Connect site. While VMware previously offered a "Free Hypervisor" version, Broadcom's current portal typically requires a registered account with valid entitlements to view and download specific product binaries like custom ISOs. Download Instructions
Register/Log In: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and register for an account if you do not already have one.
Select Product Category: Once logged in, click the dropdown next to your username and select VMware Cloud Foundation.
Navigate to Downloads: Click My Downloads on the left-hand menu. Use the search bar in the upper right to search for "VMware vSphere". Find ESXi 7.0:
Select the VMware vSphere product you are entitled to (e.g., Enterprise Plus). Choose version 7.0 from the list of major versions. Locate Custom ISO: Click the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the downloads page.
Look for the section labeled OEM Customized Install CDs and locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Install CD.
Download: Click the download link for the specific release you need (e.g., Update 3). Important Notes for HPE Users VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image: Overview and Acquisition The HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.0 is a specialized distribution designed to optimize the performance and stability of VMware’s hypervisor on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant servers. While VMware provides a generic installer, the HPE custom version integrates specific drivers and management agents that ensure hardware compatibility and health monitoring. 1. Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
Standard ESXi ISOs contain a broad set of generic drivers. However, enterprise hardware often requires proprietary drivers for optimal functionality. The HPE custom image includes:
Storage Drivers: Enhanced support for Smart Array controllers.
Network Drivers: Optimized drivers for HPE-specific NICs (Network Interface Cards).
Management Agents: Integration with HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) and System Management Homepage for real-time hardware monitoring and thermal control.
Stability: Reduced risk of "Purple Screen of Death" (PSOD) caused by driver-firmware mismatches. 2. Licensing and "Free" Availability
VMware ESXi 7.0 follows a "freemium" model. While the software is enterprise-grade, VMware offers a Free Version (vSphere Hypervisor) for home labs and small-scale use. Part 3: Installing ESXi 7 Using the HPE
The Software: The HPE Custom ISO itself is free to download.
The License: To use it legally beyond the 60-day evaluation period, you must register for a free license key on the Broadcom/VMware portal. The free version has limitations, such as a maximum of 8 vCPUs per virtual machine and a lack of centralized management (vCenter). 3. How to Download the ISO
Since the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, the download location has shifted to the Broadcom Support Portal. Register/Login: Create a Broadcom account.
Navigate to Downloads: Search for "VMware vSphere" under the software section. Select Version: Choose version 7.0.
Custom ISOs: Look for the "Custom ISOs" tab. Here, you will find the HPE-specific image (e.g., VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-xxxxxx-HPE-703.x.x.iso).
Alternative: You can also find these via the HPE Support Center by searching for your specific server model (e.g., DL380 Gen10) and filtering for "Operating System: VMware ESXi 7.0." 4. Installation Considerations
Before installing, ensure your HPE server’s Firmware (SPP) is up to date. The drivers included in the ESXi 7.0 custom image are designed to work in tandem with specific firmware versions. Using an old firmware version with a new custom ISO can lead to driver conflicts.
The HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 is the recommended choice for anyone running VMware on HPE hardware. It bridges the gap between generic software and specific hardware, providing a more "intelligent" and stable virtualization environment.
Once downloaded, the installation process mirrors the standard method, but with added benefits.
Unlike Windows Server or RHEL, VMware ESXi itself remains free for a single host with unlimited local storage and up to 8 vCPUs per VM. HPE does not charge for the custom ISO – it is provided at no cost to HPE server owners. However, advanced features (vMotion, vCenter, HA, DRS) require paid licensing.
Critical note: The custom image does not include a VMware license key. You still need to register for a free VMware Hypervisor license or purchase vSphere licensing.
There are three common file types. You want the ISO:
| File Type | Use Case | | :--- | :--- | | ISO (Recommended) | Burn to USB via Rufus or mount via iLO. | | Offline Bundle (ZIP) | Update an existing ESXi host via CLI. | | Addon | Use with VMware Image Builder. |
Sometimes HPE requires a warranty-linked account for older images. In that case:
esxcli software vib install)But the HPE custom ISO remains the simplest path.
Cause: The custom image didn’t deploy the hpe-ams service (Active Health System).
Fix:
/etc/init.d/hpe-ams status/etc/init.d/hpe-ams startchkconfig hpe-ams onIf still loud, ensure you are on the latest BIOS for your HPE server.