Hpe Custom Image For Esxi Patched | 2026 Update |
Never use esxcli software profile update on an HPE custom image unless you fully understand it. It may replace HPE drivers with VMware inbox drivers, breaking hardware management. Always prefer vib update or vLCM with the HPE Add-on.
This guide details how to create a custom HPE installation image for VMware ESXi. This process is used when you need to install ESXi on HPE ProLiant servers but require specific drivers (SAS controllers, NICs) or a specific patch level that isn't included in the standard VMware ISO.
You download the standard HPE Custom Image offline bundle ( .zip ) and the latest VMware ESXi patch bundle. Using PowerCLI commands like Add-EsxiSoftwareDepot and New-EsxiImageProfile , you merge the two depots, prioritizing the latest VMware patch binaries while preserving the HPE VIB packages.
During a compliance scan, vLCM or VUM may throw a dependency error stating that a specific HPE Vib (e.g., hp-ilo or hponcfg ) conflicts with a newer package inside the VMware patch. Do not force the installation. Instead, check the HPE support portal for an updated version of the HPE Custom Component Bundle that matches the newer VMware patch level, add it to your update repository, and re-scan. hpe custom image for esxi patched
Place both ZIP files onto an accessible ESXi datastore.
Ensure the is set to the corresponding HPE Customization addon. vLCM will automatically calculate dependencies to ensure no critical HPE drivers are dropped. Run a Check Compliance scan on the cluster.
Standard VMware ESXi ISOs lack the specific drivers for newer HPE network and storage controllers, especially for Gen9, Gen10, and Gen11 servers. The HPE Custom Image includes: Never use esxcli software profile update on an
This article was last updated with current HPE and VMware patching cycles as of 2025. Always check official sources for your exact server generation (Gen10, Gen10 Plus, Gen11).
If a patch overwrites a custom HPE driver with a generic VMware driver, devices may disappear. Re-apply the HPE offline bundle via CLI to restore the vendor-specific driver.
Test in non-production
Identify the profiles available inside the downloaded offline bundle:
: Use the HPE VMware ESXi Images page as a starting point to find the correct version for your server generation (e.g., ProLiant vs. Synergy).
Search for "HPE Custom Image for ESXi patched" – but also search for "HPE ESXi Addon for ESXi 7.0 U3" to get just the driver updates. This guide details how to create a custom
The HPE custom image for ESXi patched is a valuable resource for organizations running VMware environments on HPE servers. By providing a secure, optimized, and reliable environment, the custom image helps organizations improve performance, reduce risk, and simplify management. By following best practices for implementation and leveraging HPE support, organizations can get the most out of the HPE custom image and ensure that their VMware environment is secure, efficient, and effective.