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Downloading the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image has changed significantly following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. Direct downloads are no longer available on the old VMware Customer Connect site. Current Download Process
To obtain the ISO, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal.
Register/Log In: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and sign in or create an account.
Navigate to Downloads: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu next to your username.
Search for vSphere: Click My Downloads on the left and search for VMware vSphere.
Select Version: Expand the version you are entitled to (e.g., vSphere 7.0) and click the Custom ISOs tab.
Filter for HPE: Locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 in the list of OEM-customized install CDs. Free Version Availability
Broadcom Changes: Broadcom has discontinued the "Free" version (Hypervisor) of ESXi. Access to downloads now typically requires an active entitlement or a valid support contract linked to your account.
HPE Portal: While HPE Support lists the software details, the "Obtain Software" links will redirect you to the Broadcom portal for the actual file. Key Image Details VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers
To download the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal, as direct downloads from HPE now redirect to this centralized platform. While the ESXi software itself requires a license, a free version of the hypervisor is available for home labs and basic testing, which can be used with these custom vendor images. How to Download the HPE Custom Image vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image free
The custom ISO contains specific drivers for HPE ProLiant network and storage controllers (like those in Gen9 and Gen10 servers) that are not included in the standard VMware image. Follow these steps to find the file:
Register/Log In: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and log in with your registered credentials.
Select Division: Use the dropdown menu next to your username to select VMware Cloud Foundation.
Navigate to Downloads: Click on My Downloads in the left-hand menu and search for "VMware vSphere" in the upper right search bar.
Choose Your Entitlement: Select the vSphere product version you are entitled to (e.g., VMware vSphere - Enterprise) and select the 7.0 release.
Access Custom ISOs: Click on the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the product page.
Filter for HPE: Type "HPE" in the search box within the Custom ISOs tab to see all available images, such as the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3.
Download: Accept the Broadcom EULA and click the download icon next to the desired ISO image. Using the Free Version
VMware offers a free version of the ESXi hypervisor, often referred to as VMware vSphere Hypervisor (Free Edition). HPE Custom Image for VMware vSphere 7.0 Update 3 Downloading the VMware ESXi 7
To download the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal, as it has replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. While VMware's "Free Hypervisor" license for ESXi was historically available for home labs, Broadcom’s acquisition has changed how these binaries are accessed; however, custom OEM images like HPE's can often still be found through the support portal. Steps to Download the HPE Custom Image
Register/Log In: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and register for an account if you don't already have one.
Select Product Category: Once logged in, use the dropdown menu next to your username to select VMware Cloud Foundation.
Navigate to Downloads: Click on My Downloads in the left-hand menu and search for "VMware vSphere". Find Custom ISOs:
Select the VMware vSphere product you are entitled to (e.g., Enterprise or Standard). Choose the major version 7.0. Click on the Custom ISOs tab.
Identify the HPE Image: Search for "HPE Custom Image" in the search box. Look for the version that matches your server requirements, such as HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3.
Download: Click the download icon for the .iso file. You may need to accept a Broadcom EULA and complete a screening process before the download begins. Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
Integrated Drivers: Includes essential drivers for HPE-specific network and storage controllers (like those in Gen9, Gen10, and Gen11 servers) that are missing from the generic VMware ISO.
Management Software: Pre-loaded with HPE management agents that work with Intelligent Provisioning for easier server monitoring. Title: How to Download the VMware ESXi 7
Reliability: It is the most reliable way to ensure hardware compatibility and successful installation on HPE ProLiant or Synergy hardware. Licensing Note HPE Custom Image for VMware vSphere 7.0 Update 3
Title: How to Download the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image (ISO) for Free
Body:
If you are running a Homelab or a production environment on HPE ProLiant servers, you need the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi, not the vanilla ISO from VMware. This image includes critical drivers (like hpe-smx and iLO) and agents required for hardware monitoring and stability.
Here is the official way to download the VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image for free.
Even with the custom image, things can go wrong. Here are fixes for the top three problems:
If you download VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0U3-xxxxxx.x86_64.iso directly from VMware’s portal and install it on an HPE ProLiant server (DL360, DL380, ML350, etc.), you will likely encounter:
hpvsa, ssacli, and amsd) are absent.Before you search for "vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image free," ensure you have:
| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | HPE Server | Any ProLiant Gen10, Gen10 Plus, or Gen11 (for ESXi 7.x) | | HPE Support Account | Free to create – required for download access | | USB/DVD or iLO Virtual Media | For installation | | Minimum 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage | 32 GB RAM recommended | | Supported Storage Controller | HPE Smart Array S100i (software RAID) or P-series controllers |
Before diving into the download process, understanding the difference between the standard VMware ISO and the HPE-customized image is critical.