How to Install VMware ESXi 8.0 on Bare-Metal Server
VMware ESXi is the most-deployed enterprise hypervisor. This guide covers installation on bare-metal Dell PowerEdge / HPE ProLiant servers, with ESXi 8.0 best practices.
What You Need
- VMware ESXi 8.0 installation ISO (from VMware Customer Connect)
- USB drive (8GB+) or virtual media via iDRAC/iLO
- Server-specific VMware OEM image (if using Dell/HPE — recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Download the OEM-specific ESXi ISO
VMware Customer Connect > Downloads > VMware vSphere > Custom ISOs. Download the Dell EMC ESXi or HPE ESXi OEM image — these include drivers for Dell iDRAC and HPE iLO out-of-box.
Step 2: Create bootable USB or mount via remote media
Option A: USB (Rufus or Etcher to write ISO to USB). Option B (preferred for remote install): iDRAC/iLO Virtual Media > Connect ISO. Boot from the virtual media.
Step 3: Boot to ESXi installer
Power on the server. F11 (Dell) or F11 (HPE) for boot menu. Select USB / Virtual CD as boot device. ESXi installer loads. Press Enter to begin.
Step 4: Accept EULA and select install disk
Accept the EULA (F11). Select the install target — typically the smaller internal disk or BOSS card (Dell) / NS204i (HPE), NOT the data disks. Confirm wipe.
Step 5: Set root password and complete install
Set a strong root password (12+ chars, mixed case + numbers + symbols). Confirm. Installer copies files (5-10 min). Reboot when prompted, eject install media.
Step 6: Configure management network
After reboot, press F2 at the ESXi DCUI (Direct Console UI). Login as root. Configure Management Network > IPv4 Configuration > Set static IPv4 address. Set DNS, hostname. Test connectivity to default gateway.
Step 7: Connect via vSphere Client
In a browser navigate to https://<ESXi-IP>/ui. Log in as root + your password. You're in the ESXi Host Client — create your first VM, mount datastores, configure networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ESXi free to use?
The hypervisor (ESXi free / VMware vSphere Hypervisor) is free with one limitation: it cannot be managed by vCenter Server. You can run unlimited VMs on a free ESXi host but lose cluster features (HA, vMotion, DRS, vSAN) which require a paid vSphere licence + vCenter.
Why use the Dell/HPE OEM ESXi ISO?
The OEM ISOs include Dell EMC and HPE drivers pre-installed — Dell PERC, Mellanox NICs, HPE iLO management agents. Standard VMware ISO works but may need driver bundles added post-install.
What's the difference between ESXi 7.0 and 8.0?
ESXi 8.0 dropped support for older hardware (Sandy/Ivy Bridge era CPUs, certain network/storage cards). ESXi 7.0 U3 supports more legacy hardware. For Dell R740+ / HPE DL380 Gen10+, both versions work fine. Pick 8.0 for current builds.
Need the parts?
Pro Disk Network stocks all the parts referenced in this guide. Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your server model — we will send a quote within one business day.