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
Step 2: Locate the HPE Custom Image (Do Not Search for "ESXi 7")
Step 1: Visit the HPE Software Depot
Navigate to: https://downloads.hpe.com (This redirects to the new portal). vmware esxi 7 download iso hpe custom image free
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | HPE site says “entitlement required” | Try a different server model search, or use the generic “VMware ESXi 7.0 HPE Custom Image” without specifying a model. | | ISO won’t boot on older HPE server | Check server compatibility – Gen8 and older may not support ESXi 7 (dropped drivers). | | Free license key rejected | Use VMware’s official free key (they change occasionally). Get from my.vmware.com after free registration. | | HPE drivers missing after install | You downloaded the wrong ISO (generic VMware). Redownload from HPE. |
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. Downloading the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7
(Note: The numbers change with each patch; do not worry about exact digits.)
Step 3: Select the HPE custom image
Network Drivers: Optimized drivers for HPE-specific NICs (Network Interface Cards).