How to download ESXi 6 Update 2 ISO?

[kyuser101]

Hello!

I have seen the release notes for ESXi Update 2, and it looks great! The only problem is: the latest version I see when I go to the Download page is Update 1. I found the link to the Update 2 download page, but when I go to download it, I get the following error:

"You either are not entitled or do not have permissions to download this product."

Of course, I thought ESXi Hypervisor was free, so if someone could help me out, that would be great :smileyhappy:

[Rajesh Petchimuthu]

Please navigate to Downloads -> Free Product Trials & Demos and click vSphere.  To download ESXi 6.0U2 ISO you should be a registered user, please login then it  will take you to below link.

https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=vsphere6

You'll be able to see " Manually Download" button, click to donwload the ISO.

[kyuser101]

Thank you for that! I have marked it as correct, but I do have another quick question: I noticed it says 60 days remaining on my evaluation. Does this mean that after 60 days I will no longer be able to download the hypervisor, or will vCenter / vRealize be the only things I will no longer have access to?

Thanks!

[Rajesh Petchimuthu]

Hi,

I just found that for free ESXi hypervisor download, you have to use the below link ->

https://my.vmware.com/en/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=free-esxi6

looks like this is not updated with the latest 6.0 U2 binaries, I have raised this requested with the concerned team for publishing it asap.

Meanwhile, you can use the free license key(from the above link)  to continue the eval/trial version as free license hyper-visor. Let me know if there is any issue.

Additional info ->

     The binaries you will receive as “Free Hypervisor” are 100% identical to the paid version. It has no expiration date.

     But will have following limitations:

• No support
• Free ESXi cannot be added to a vCenter Server
• max. 8 vCPU per VM
• Deployed on an unlimited number of physical hosts, but is restricted to deployment on less than or equal to  100 Physical Servers.

To answer your question,

Q. Does this mean that after 60 days I will no longer be able to download the hypervisor, or will vCenter / vRealize be the only things I will no longer have access to?

A. Please apply the free license key to your hypervisor after removing the host from vCenter. Definitely you'll not be able to access/use vCenter/ vRealize once evaluation expires.

[mfelker]

Thank you for the link.  It was difficult to actually get the free products since my evaluation expired.  I'll enjoy upgrading for sure~:smileyhappy:

[estes2691]

Just to touch a bit further and explain what happens when the trial expires here is a good article about it.  Just a good FYI to know!

https://www.vladan.fr/esxi-hardening-prevent-access-esxi-except-single-ip-address/

^the URL title doesn't match the actual article name/info, I promise it's relevant.  :smileyhappy:

TL;DR Your vCenter server will disconnect your hosts.