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
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
esxcli software vib update -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/HPE-bundle.zip
Never use the generic VMware patch baseline on an HPE server, as it may overwrite critical HPE drivers.
| Feature | Vanilla ISO | HPE Custom ISO | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Storage Drivers | Generic | hpvsa, hpsa, smartpqi | | Management | No iLO integration | Full iLO + SNMP agents | | Health Monitoring | Basic | HPE SIM, OneView ready | | Boot | May fail on B140i/M.2 | Works out of the box |
hpvsa
hpsa
smartpqi
HPE has moved their download portal to the My Networking Portal. Do not get lost on the old "HPE Support Center."
https://myenterpriselicense.hpe.com
You can legally and safely download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.x for free directly from HPE’s website. This image is essential for optimal performance and hardware compatibility on HPE ProLiant servers. Avoid generic VMware ISOs unless you’re willing to manually inject drivers. Once installed, the free ESXi license handles most home lab, testing, or small production needs without any cost.
For production environments needing vCenter, vMotion, or backups, consider VMware vSphere Essentials or vSphere Standard – but the download itself remains free to obtain.
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: vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image free
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.
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).
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.
Downloading the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.0 for free has become more complex following the transition of VMware Customer Connect to the Broadcom Support Portal
. While direct links to these ISOs are no longer available, they can still be accessed through a manual search within the Broadcom ecosystem. Broadcom support portal How to Access the HPE Custom ISO
To find the correct image for your HPE ProLiant, Synergy, or Superdome servers, follow these steps: : Access the Broadcom Support Portal
and log in with your registered account. Registration is required but free. Navigate to Downloads : Click on My Downloads in the left-hand menu and search for VMware vSphere Filter by Custom ISOs
: Under the product version (e.g., vSphere 7.0), look for a specific tab labeled Custom ISOs Select Manufacturer : Locate the manufacturer-specific section for to view the available bootable images, such as the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 Complete Screening
: You may be asked to agree to terms and conditions or complete a profile screening before the download starts. Broadcom support portal Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
Using the HPE-specific ISO is strongly recommended over the standard VMware image because: Driver Integration
: It includes specialized drivers for HPE network and storage controllers that are not found in the generic image. Server Management
: It comes pre-installed with management software that integrates with HPE Intelligent Provisioning.
: Certain newer HPE servers strictly require this custom image for a successful initial installation. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Important Limitations VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE To download the VMware ESXi 7
Downloading the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 is still possible, but following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, the process has moved to the Broadcom Support Portal
. While VMware's "Free Edition" license has been officially retired, vendor-specific custom ISOs often remain accessible for download by registered users for testing or evaluation purposes. Broadcom support portal Where to Find the Download
HPE no longer hosts the ISO files directly on its website; clicking download on HPE Support will redirect you to Broadcom. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Broadcom Support Portal : Navigate to the Broadcom Support Portal and log in. You must register a free account if you do not have one. Product Selection VMware Cloud Foundation from the product categories. My Downloads and search for "VMware vSphere". The "Custom ISOs" Tab Choose the major version (e.g., Click on the Custom ISOs
tab. Standard hypervisor downloads may show as "not entitled" without a paid subscription, but manufacturer-specific images (like HPE) are often listed separately and may allow a download after a brief screening or terms agreement. Broadcom support portal Why Use the HPE Custom Image?
The HPE image is specifically tuned for ProLiant, Synergy, and Superdome servers. It includes: Hewlett Packard Enterprise VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
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
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):
.iso
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. Alternatively, use esxcli: esxcli software vib update -d
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 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
Go to HPE Support Center https://support.hpe.com
Sign in (or create a free account – no credit card needed).
Navigate to Software & Drivers Click "Drivers & Software" or use the direct search.
Enter your server model (e.g., ProLiant DL380 Gen10) – or search for “VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image”. Alternatively, use this direct search string: VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 HPE Custom Image
VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 HPE Custom Image
Filter by Operating System: Choose VMware vSphere 7.0.
Find the correct ISO – Look for: VMware-ESXi-7.0.U3d-19482537-HPE-703.0.0.10.6.0.39-Sep2022.iso (example – version numbers vary). HPE updates these every few months.
VMware-ESXi-7.0.U3d-19482537-HPE-703.0.0.10.6.0.39-Sep2022.iso
Download – Click the download button. File size is ~400–500 MB.
Important: Do not download from third-party torrent or file-sharing sites – you risk malware, outdated versions, or non-HPE images.
(Used official VMware and HPE download/KB pages, release notes, and product documentation to verify steps, compatibility, and licensing. Links omitted per instructions.)