Released in 2021 (but continuously patched), ESXi 7.0 U3 is a long-term stable production standard. Key features include:
Note: The specific build number you want is often 7.0 Update 3c, 3d, or 3e, depending on the latest HPE recipe.
There are two primary methods to obtain the image, but Method A is the recommended path for HPE hardware. Released in 2021 (but continuously patched), ESXi 7
If you’re running HPE ProLiant servers, you already know: never run vanilla VMware ESXi. The HPE customized image includes critical drivers (smartpqi, i40en, nmlx5_core), management agents, and the all-important HPE Add-on for vLCM.
With ESXi 7.0 Update 3 still being a stable production workhorse, finding the correct HPE ISO can be surprisingly tricky—especially after Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. Let me walk you through exactly where to get it. Note: The specific build number you want is often 7
Use VMware Customer Connect (with VMware account) → search for “HPE” → but HPE’s site always has the latest HPE-tested version.
As of the Broadcom acquisition of VMware (late 2023/early 2024), the distribution model for vendor-specific ISOs (such as HPE) has undergone significant changes. Historically, HPE provided a customized ISO that included drivers for Smart Array controllers, NICs, and HPE-specific management tools. There are two primary methods to obtain the
Current Status: HPE has moved its customized ISO distribution to the HPE Support Center. While VMware offers generic ISOs, using the HPE-specific image is critical for ProLiant servers to ensure the correct storage controller drivers (Smart Array) and networking drivers are present during installation.