Top Download: VMware ESXi Cisco Custom ISO Guide (2026 Updated)
A: While possible, using the custom ISO is highly recommended for a clean installation. The ISO ensures all necessary, signed drivers are pre-installed in the correct order.
Always compare the MD5 or SHA256 checksum of your downloaded ISO file against the string provided on the Broadcom or Cisco download pages to prevent file corruption or tampering.
Download the Cisco Custom ISO associated with the desired ESXi version. Top Cisco Custom ISO Versions (2026)
Seamless monitoring of hardware sensors directly from vCenter Server. Top Download Locations for Cisco Custom ESXi ISO vmware esxi cisco custom iso top download
: HyperFlex clusters must use the dedicated HyperFlex upgrade bundles rather than standard Cisco custom OEM images. Manual Customization Options
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the Cisco Custom ISO, from its key benefits to the most current methods for downloading it, and provide a detailed walkthrough for a successful installation.
Allows VMware vCenter to poll the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) for hardware health, fan speeds, and temperature metrics.
For the latest ESXi 9.0, you must obtain the software directly from Cisco: Top Download: VMware ESXi Cisco Custom ISO Guide
Ensure your UCS infrastructure or CIMC firmware is updated to the minimum required baseline for the ESXi version you are installing.
The HCL tool output will explicitly state the required enic and fnic driver versions. Ensure the custom ISO bundle you select matches or closely aligns with these target versions. How to Deploy a Cisco Custom ISO
This happens if you accidentally use a vanilla VMware ISO instead of the Cisco custom image. The vanilla image lacks the enic drivers required to see Cisco VIC (Virtual Interface Card) adapters. Resolution: Reboot and verify you are mounting the genuine Cisco custom ISO. Issue: Storage Datastores Missing After Boot
Embedded drivers support Cisco FlexFlash and RAID controllers seamlessly. Download the Cisco Custom ISO associated with the
: If a specific update (like 8.0 U3) is not yet listed as a custom ISO, it is common practice to install using the previous custom ISO (e.g., 8.0 U2) and then apply the latest VMware offline bundle patch .
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, all virtualization software downloads have migrated to the Broadcom Support Portal.
A deep feature look reveals this is just branding. The Cisco custom ISO contains: