To make the ISO you downloaded bootable, you will need to create a USB installer.

Once the progress bar reaches 100%, remove the USB installation drive. Press to reboot the server.

To ensure the integrity of your hypervisor, it is highly recommended to download the ISO directly from the source rather than third-party Google Drive links, which can pose security risks. Navigate to the ⁠Broadcom Support Portal . Log in with your existing account or create a new one.

Download ⁠Rufus to burn the ISO file to the USB drive. ISO Image: The ESXi 8.0 ISO downloaded from Broadcom. Steps to Create Bootable USB: Open Rufus. Select your USB drive. Select the VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0U3.iso file. Click "Start" to burn the image. 3. Installing VMware ESXi 8.0 (Step-by-Step)

This guide will show you how to find the ESXi 8.0 ISO (including potential community-driven Google Drive mirrors for backups), install it, and get your virtualized infrastructure running in 2026. 1. How to Download VMware ESXi 8.0 ISO (Official)

Upon reboot, you will be greeted by the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI).

Press , then press Y to apply the changes and restart the management network. Accessing the VMware Host Client

Select your USB drive from the boot list to launch the VMware installer. Phase 2: Run the ESXi Installer

To help tailor any troubleshooting or configuration advice, let me know:

Getting your hands on has changed recently due to VMware's acquisition by Broadcom. While many users look for a "Google Drive" link to bypass registration, downloading from unofficial third-party mirrors carries significant security risks, such as malware or tampered boot images.

Insert a USB flash drive (8 GB or larger) into your computer.

Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.

This comprehensive guide covers how to safely acquire the installation media, create bootable drives, and successfully install ESXi 8.0 on your server hardware. 1. Understanding ESXi 8.0 Installation Media