We will cover upgrading ESXi 6.7 to 7 update 3 via SSH and esxcli command and walk through some key points like what is VIB, and ESXi profiles while updating. This method will directly work on VMware ESXi 6.5.0 build-15256549 and above.
Why Upgrade Required
Because your team lead told you to do so and the security team suggested your team lead for update all ESXi to version 7 and the security team got an alert from security scan software that your current version is vulnerable to security threats.
Realty apart that could be a reason but before the update, we need to know some basic points why we are upgrading a working ESXi, let’s come to the theory part. Below is the reason to update ESXi or any software/OS/Hypervisor.
- Vulnerability in the previous version which is fixed by OEM.
- New and useful updates by OEMs like ESXi 7 have support Kubernetes, can use pods, video memory increases, and support cross VCenter with new hardware versions and many more.
- OEM end their support due to maintaining the new version.
- New Operating Systems has supported the new hypervisor so we need to update ESXi.
- Increase performance and monitoring system.
There are many more but just let’s jump on upgrading ESXi 6.7 to 7 update 3 via SSH and esxcli and we have covered some common questions and abbreviations in the end for your knowledge base.
Related Post:
ESXi Installation Step-By-Step
Upgrading ESXi 6.7 to 7 Update 3 via SSH and esxcli
Prerequisite
- Download Patch from the VMware site: Download
- Download the bundle in “.zip” format
- Upload bundle in ESXi datastore
- Enter in maintenance mode or check we can do it by esxcli also
- Enable SSH and ESXi shell (TSM and TSH-SSH)to login from ssh
Upgrade ESXi
Note: You have to give the full path of the zip bundle otherwise it may not work
- Log in to ESXi via SSH and go to the path where you have uploaded the zip bundle for us it is in the “/vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/” path
cd /vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/verify that the path and checks your zip bundle is there or not
If you have not activated the maintenance mode from GUI enabled by the command
esxcli system maintenanceMode set --enable=true- Check the Profile available in the zip bundle, not have to choose full. Only specific requirements we can choose no-tools otherwise use full. Or if single is available then choose that.
# esxcli software sources profile list -d /vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/VMware-ESXi-7.0.3d-19482537-Custom-Dell-4.2.2-a-depot.zip
Name Vendor Acceptance Level Creation Time Modification Time
------------------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ------------------- -------------------
Dell-UCS-Addon-ESXi-70U3d-19482537_4.2.2-a Dell PartnerSupported 2022-08-29T13:21:00 2022-08-29T13:21:00- Dry run to test if is it compatible or not. And we can even know before the activity we are doing is on the right track.
esxcli software profile update -d /vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/VMware-ESXi-7.0.3d-19482537-Custom-Dell-4.2.2-a-depot.zip -p Dell-UCS-Addon-ESXi-70U3d-19482537_4.2.2-a --dry-runUpdate Result
Message: Dryrun only, host not changed. The following installers will be applied: [bootbank_ _Installer, LockerInstaller]
Reboot Required: true
VIBs Installed: CIS_bootbank_ __ucs-tool-esxi_1.2.2-1OEM, Dell_bootbank_ __nenic-ens_1.0.6.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, Dell_bootbank_ __nenic_1.0.42.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, Dell_bootbank_ __nfnic_4.0.0.87-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __i40en_2.2.7.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, INT_bootbank_ __igbn_1.9.1.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, INT_bootbank_ __ixgben_1.12.3.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-core_4.21.71.101-1OEM.702.0.0.17630552, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-rdma_4.21.71.101-1OEM.702.0.0.17630552, QLC_bootbank_ __qcnic_2.0.62.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qedentv_3.40.57.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qedf_2.2.86.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qedi_2.19.87.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qedrntv_3.40.56.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3_1.4.25.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3f_2.1.26.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3i_2.1.9.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, VMW_bootbank_ __atlantic_1.0.3.0-8vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtnet_216.0.50.0-41vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtroce_216.0.58.0-23vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __brcmfcoe_12.0.1500.2-3vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __elxiscsi_12.0.1200.0-9vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __elxnet_12.0.1250.0-5vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __icen_1.4.1.7-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __ionic-en_16.0.0-16vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __irdman_1.3.1.20-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __iser_1.1.0.1-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __lpfc_14.0.169.25-5vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMW_bootbank_ __lpnic_11.4.62.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-mr3_7.718.02.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt2_20.00.06.00-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt35_19.00.02.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt3_17.00.12.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __mtip32xx-native_3.9.8-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __ne1000_0.8.4-11vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nhpsa_70.0051.0.100-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-core_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-en_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-rdma_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __ntg3_4.1.7.0-0vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nvme-pcie_1.2.3.16-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmerdma_1.0.3.5-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmetcp_1.0.0.1-1vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmxnet3-ens_2.0.0.22-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmxnet3_2.0.0.30-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __pvscsi_0.1-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __qflge_1.1.0.11-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __rste_2.0.2.0088-7vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __sfvmk_2.4.0.2010-6vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __smartpqi_70.4149.0.5000-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __vmkata_0.1-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __vmkfcoe_1.0.0.2-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __vmkusb_0.1-6vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ __vmw-ahci_2.0.11-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __bmcal_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __cpu-microcode_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __crx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __elx-esx-libelxima.so_12.0.1200.0-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __esx-base_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __esx-dvfilter-generic-fastpath_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __esx-ui_1.36.0-18403931, VMware_bootbank_ __esx-update_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __esx-xserver_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __esxio-combiner_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __gc_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __loadesx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-hpv2-hpsa-plugin_1.0.0-3vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-intelv2-nvme-vmd-plugin_2.7.2173-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-lsiv2-drivers-plugin_1.0.0-10vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-nvme-pcie-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-oem-dell-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-oem-hp-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-oem-lenovo-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __lsuv2-smartpqiv2-plugin_1.0.0-8vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __native-misc-drivers_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __qlnativefc_4.1.14.0-26vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __trx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __vdfs_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __vmware-esx-esxcli-nvme-plugin_1.2.0.44-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ __vsan_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ __vsanhealth_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_locker_tools-light_11.3.5.18557794-19482531
VIBs Removed: Adaptec_Inc_bootbank_ __scsi-aacraid_6.0.6.2.1.54013-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, Avago_bootbank_ __scsi-megaraid-sas_6.610.16.00-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, CIS_bootbank_ __ucs-tool-esxi_1.1.0-1OEM, Dell_bootbank_ __nfnic_4.0.0.40-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, EMU_bootbank_ __brcmfcoe_12.0.1115.0-1OEM.670.0.0.7535516, EMU_bootbank_ __elxiscsi_12.0.1188.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, EMU_bootbank_ __elxnet_12.0.1115.0-1OEM.670.0.0.7535516, EMU_bootbank_ __lpfc_12.2.212.10-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __igbn_1.4.7-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __ixgben_1.7.15-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __net-i40e_2.0.7-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, INT_bootbank_ __net-ixgbe_4.5.3-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-core_4.17.15.16-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-rdma_4.17.15.16-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qcnic_1.0.26.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedentv_3.11.7.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedi_2.10.15.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedrntv_3.11.7.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3_1.0.86.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3f_1.0.68.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3i_1.0.23.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLogic_bootbank_ __qlnativefc_3.1.16.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-libata-92_3.00.9.2-16vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-amd_0.3.10-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-atiixp_0.4.6-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-cmd64x_0.2.5-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-hpt3x2n_0.3.4-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-pdc2027x_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-serverworks_0.4.3-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-sil680_0.4.8-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-via_0.3.3-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __block-cciss_3.6.14-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtnet_20.6.101.7-24vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtroce_20.6.101.0-20vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __char-random_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ehci-ehci-hcd_1.0-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __hid-hid_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __i40en_1.8.1.9-2vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __ima-qla4xxx_2.02.18-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-devintf_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-msghandler_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-si-drv_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __iser_1.0.0.0-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __lpnic_11.4.59.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-mr3_7.708.07.00-3vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt2_20.00.06.00-2vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt35_09.00.00.00-5vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt3_17.00.02.00-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __misc-cnic-register_1.78.75.v60.7-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __misc-drivers_6.7.0-2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __mtip32xx-native_3.9.8-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbak_ne1000_0.8.4-2vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootank_nenic_1.0.29.0-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_boobank_net-bnx2_2.2.4f.v60.10-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-bnx2x_1.78.80.v60.12-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-cdc-ether_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-cnic_1.78.76.v60.13-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-e1000_8.0.3.1-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-e1000e_3.2.2.1-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-fcoe_1.0.29.9.3-7vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-forcedeth_0.61-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-igb_5.0.5.1.1-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-libfcoe-92_1.0.24.9.4-8vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-mlx4-core_1.9.7.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-mlx4-en_1.9.7.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-nx-nic_5.0.621-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-tg3_3.131d.v60.4-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-usbnet_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____net-vmxnet3_1.1.3.0-3vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ ____nhpsa_2.0.22-3vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-core_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-en_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-rdma_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ ____ntg3_4.1.3.2-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvme_1.2.2.28-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmxnet3-ens_2.0.0.21-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmxnet3_2.0.0.29-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ ____ohci-usb-ohci_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____pvscsi_0.1-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____qflge_1.1.0.11-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-ahci_3.0-26vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-ata-piix_2.12-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-sata-nv_3.5-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-sata-promise_2.12-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-sata-sil24_1.1-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-sata-sil_2.3-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sata-sata-svw_2.3-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-adp94xx_1.0.8.12-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-aic79xx_3.1-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-bnx2fc_1.78.78.v60.8-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-bnx2i_2.78.76.v60.8-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-fnic_1.5.0.45-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-hpsa_6.0.0.84-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-ips_7.12.05-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-iscsi-linux-92_1.0.0.2-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-libfc-92_1.0.40.9.3-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-megaraid-mbox_2.20.5.1-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-megaraid2_2.00.4-9vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-mpt2sas_19.00.00.00-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-mptsas_4.23.01.00-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-mptspi_4.23.01.00-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____scsi-qla4xxx_5.01.03.2-7vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____sfvmk_1.0.0.1003-6vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-iscsi-linux-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-iscsi-linux-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libata-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922,
...
VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libata-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libfc-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libfc-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libfcoe-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-libfcoe-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-vmklinux-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-vmklinux-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____shim-vmklinux-9-2-3-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ ____smartpqi_1.0.1.553-28vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ ____uhci-usb-uhci_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMware_bootbank_ __vmware-esx-esxcli-nvme-plugin_1.2.0.36-2.48.13006603, VMware_bootbank_ __vsan_6.7.0-3.73.14263135, VMware_bootbank_ __vsanhealth_6.7.0-3.73.14263064, VMware_locker_tools-light_10.3.10.12406962-14141615
VIBs Skipped: INT_bootbank_ __iavmd_2.7.2.1001-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807Check the message it will show that update will be applied and a reboot required true, so you will be confirmed that we can update it .
There is a message that VIBs skipped, we can ignore it because we are not installing the new one and after VIBs, there may be less chance to revert and for the upgrade, we can skip it
- Now we are sure that upgrade could be possible and run the command without the dry-run. Make sure to use the profile name which you have gotten from the first command
esxcli software profile update -d /vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/VMware-ESXi-7.0.3d-19482537-Custom-Dell-4.2.2-a-depot.zip -p Dell-UCS-Addon-ESXi-70U3d-19482537_4.2.2-aUpdate Result
Message: The update completed successfully, but the system needs to be rebooted for the changes to be effective.
Reboot Required: true
VIBs Installed: CIS_bootbank_ __ucs-tool-esxi_1.2.2-1OEM, Dell_bootbank_ __nenic-ens_1.0.6.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, Dell_bootbank_ __nenic_1.0.42.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, Dell_bootbank_ __nfnic_4.0.0.87-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ ____i40en_2.2.7.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, INT_bootbank_ ____iavmd_2.7.2.1001-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, INT_bootbank_ ____igbn_1.9.1.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, INT_bootbank_ ____ixgben_1.12.3.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, MEL_bootbank_ ____nmlx5-core_4.21.71.101-1OEM.702.0.0.17630552, MEL_bootbank_ ____nmlx5-rdma_4.21.71.101-1OEM.702.0.0.17630552, QLC_bootbank_ ____qcnic_2.0.62.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qedentv_3.40.57.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qedf_2.2.86.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qedi_2.19.87.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qedrntv_3.40.56.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qfle3_1.4.25.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qfle3f_2.1.26.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, QLC_bootbank_ ____qfle3i_2.1.9.0-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807, VMW_bootbank_ ____atlantic_1.0.3.0-8vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____bnxtnet_216.0.50.0-41vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____bnxtroce_216.0.58.0-23vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____brcmfcoe_12.0.1500.2-3vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____elxiscsi_12.0.1200.0-9vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____elxnet_12.0.1250.0-5vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____icen_1.4.1.7-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____ionic-en_16.0.0-16vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____irdman_1.3.1.20-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____iser_1.1.0.1-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____lpfc_14.0.169.25-5vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMW_bootbank_ ____lpnic_11.4.62.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____lsi-mr3_7.718.02.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____lsi-msgpt2_20.00.06.00-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____lsi-msgpt35_19.00.02.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____lsi-msgpt3_17.00.12.00-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____mtip32xx-native_3.9.8-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____ne1000_0.8.4-11vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nhpsa_70.0051.0.100-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-core_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-en_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nmlx4-rdma_3.19.16.8-2vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____ntg3_4.1.7.0-0vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvme-pcie_1.2.3.16-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmerdma_1.0.3.5-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmetcp_1.0.0.1-1vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmxnet3-ens_2.0.0.22-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____nvmxnet3_2.0.0.30-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____pvscsi_0.1-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____qflge_1.1.0.11-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____rste_2.0.2.0088-7vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____sfvmk_2.4.0.2010-6vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____smartpqi_70.4149.0.5000-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____vmkata_0.1-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____vmkfcoe_1.0.0.2-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____vmkusb_0.1-6vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMW_bootbank_ ____vmw-ahci_2.0.11-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____bmcal_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____cpu-microcode_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____crx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____elx-esx-libelxima.so_12.0.1200.0-4vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____esx-base_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____esx-dvfilter-generic-fastpath_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____esx-ui_1.36.0-18403931, VMware_bootbank_ ____esx-update_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____esx-xserver_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____esxio-combiner_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____gc_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____loadesx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-hpv2-hpsa-plugin_1.0.0-3vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-intelv2-nvme-vmd-plugin_2.7.2173-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-lsiv2-drivers-plugin_1.0.0-10vmw.703.0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-nvme-pcie-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-oem-dell-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-oem-hp-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-oem-lenovo-plugin_1.0.0-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____lsuv2-smartpqiv2-plugin_1.0.0-8vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____native-misc-drivers_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____qlnativefc_4.1.14.0-26vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____trx_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____vdfs_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____vmware-esx-esxcli-nvme-plugin_1.2.0.44-1vmw.703.0.20.19193900, VMware_bootbank_ ____vsan_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_bootbank_ ____vsanhealth_7.0.3-0.35.19482537, VMware_locker_tools-light_11.3.5.18557794-19482531
VIBs Removed: Adaptec_Inc_bootbank_ __scsi-aacraid_6.0.6.2.1.54013-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, Avago_bootbank_ __scsi-megaraid-sas_6.610.16.00-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, CIS_bootbank_ __ucs-tool-esxi_1.1.0-1OEM, Dell_bootbank_ __nfnic_4.0.0.40-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, EMU_bootbank_ __brcmfcoe_12.0.1115.0-1OEM.670.0.0.7535516, EMU_bootbank_ __elxiscsi_12.0.1188.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, EMU_bootbank_ __elxnet_12.0.1115.0-1OEM.670.0.0.7535516, EMU_bootbank_ __lpfc_12.2.212.10-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __igbn_1.4.7-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __intel-nvme-vmd_1.8.0.1001-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __ixgben_1.7.15-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, INT_bootbank_ __net-i40e_2.0.7-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, INT_bootbank_ __net-ixgbe_4.5.3-1OEM.600.0.0.2494585, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-core_4.17.15.16-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, MEL_bootbank_ __nmlx5-rdma_4.17.15.16-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qcnic_1.0.26.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedentv_3.11.7.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedi_2.10.15.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qedrntv_3.11.7.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3_1.0.86.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3f_1.0.68.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLC_bootbank_ __qfle3i_1.0.23.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, QLogic_bootbank_ __qlnativefc_3.1.16.0-1OEM.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-libata-92_3.00.9.2-16vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-amd_0.3.10-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-atiixp_0.4.6-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-cmd64x_0.2.5-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-hpt3x2n_0.3.4-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-pdc2027x_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-serverworks_0.4.3-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-sil680_0.4.8-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ata-pata-via_0.3.3-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __block-cciss_3.6.14-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtnet_20.6.101.7-24vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __bnxtroce_20.6.101.0-20vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __char-random_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ehci-ehci-hcd_1.0-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __hid-hid_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __i40en_1.8.1.9-2vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __ima-qla4xxx_2.02.18-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-devintf_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-msghandler_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ipmi-ipmi-si-drv_39.1-5vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __iser_1.0.0.0-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __lpnic_11.4.59.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-mr3_7.708.07.00-3vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt2_20.00.06.00-2vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt35_09.00.00.00-5vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __lsi-msgpt3_17.00.02.00-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __misc-cnic-register_1.78.75.v60.7-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __misc-drivers_6.7.0-2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __mtip32xx-native_3.9.8-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ne1000_0.8.4-2vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __nenic_1.0.29.0-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __net-bnx2_2.2.4f.v60.10-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-bnx2x_1.78.80.v60.12-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-cdc-ether_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-cnic_1.78.76.v60.13-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-e1000_8.0.3.1-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-e1000e_3.2.2.1-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-fcoe_1.0.29.9.3-7vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-forcedeth_0.61-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-igb_5.0.5.1.1-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-libfcoe-92_1.0.24.9.4-8vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-mlx4-core_1.9.7.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-mlx4-en_1.9.7.0-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-nx-nic_5.0.621-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-tg3_3.131d.v60.4-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-usbnet_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __net-vmxnet3_1.1.3.0-3vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __nhpsa_2.0.22-3vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-core_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-en_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __nmlx4-rdma_3.17.13.1-1vmw.670.2.48.13006603, VMW_bootbank_ __ntg3_4.1.3.2-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __nvme_1.2.2.28-1vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmxnet3-ens_2.0.0.21-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __nvmxnet3_2.0.0.29-1vmw.670.1.28.10302608, VMW_bootbank_ __ohci-usb-ohci_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __pvscsi_0.1-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __qflge_1.1.0.11-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-ahci_3.0-26vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-ata-piix_2.12-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-sata-nv_3.5-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-sata-promise_2.12-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-sata-sil24_1.1-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-sata-sil_2.3-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sata-sata-svw_2.3-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-adp94xx_1.0.8.12-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-aic79xx_3.1-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-bnx2fc_1.78.78.v60.8-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-bnx2i_2.78.76.v60.8-1vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-fnic_1.5.0.45-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-hpsa_6.0.0.84-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-ips_7.12.05-4vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-iscsi-linux-92_1.0.0.2-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-libfc-92_1.0.40.9.3-5vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-megaraid-mbox_2.20.5.1-6vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-megaraid2_2.00.4-9vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-mpt2sas_19.00.00.00-2vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-mptsas_4.23.01.00-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-mptspi_4.23.01.00-10vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __scsi-qla4xxx_5.01.03.2-7vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __sfvmk_1.0.0.1003-6vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-iscsi-linux-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-iscsi-linux-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libata-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libata-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libfc-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libfc-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libfcoe-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-libfcoe-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-vmklinux-9-2-1-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-vmklinux-9-2-2-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __shim-vmklinux-9-2-3-0_6.7.0-0.0.8169922, VMW_bootbank_ __smartpqi_1.0.1.553-28vmw.670.3.73.14320388, VMW_bootbank_ __uhci-usb-uhci_1.0-3vmw.670.0.0.8169922, VMware_bootbank_ __vsanhealth_6.7.0-3.73.14263064,
.
.
.
VMware_locker_tools-light_10.3.10.12406962-14141615
VIBs Skipped:INT_bootbank_ __iavmd_2.7.2.1001-1OEM.700.1.0.15843807Check the message it should show “The update completed successfully”. Now you are 50% done now you can reboot the server to take the upgrade in effect it will take server boot time(3-5 min ) + 5-7 Min ESXi upgrade.
- Reboot ESXi
# reboot -fAfter Update
Remove from Maintainance mode
esxcli system maintenanceMode set --enable=falseLog in to ESXi GUI and power on all VMs because due to the upgrade and maintenance mode auto power on option may not work so the first time after upgrading ESXi 6.7 to 7 update 3 we need to power on VMs manually.
Important Acronyms and Abbreviations
There are many but we have given what is required in our process.
| VM | Virtual Machine |
| VMFS | Virtual Machine File System |
| VCLI | vSphere Command Line Interface |
| VIB | vSphere Installation Bundle |
| VC | Virtual Center |
| VIM | Virtual Infrastructure Management |
| P2V | P2V Physical to Virtual |
| V2V | Virtual to Virtual |
VIB Update – Not required if Upgraded
If you have upgraded from the above procedure this is not required but if in case you need to upgrade via VIB update run the below command and reboot the server.
# esxcli software vib update --depot /vmfs/volumes/609abf69-1d682f78-0185-3cfdfee40d18/patch/VMware-ESXi-7.0.3d-19482537-Custom-Dell-4.2.2-a-depot.zip
# reboot -f Summary
We have after preparation for upgrading ESXi 6.7 to 7 update 3 via SSH and esxcli we need to run only three below command
esxcli software sources profile list -d /path_of_zip_file.zip
esxcli software profile update -d /path_of_zip_file.zip -p Profile_Name –dry-run
esxcli software profile update -d /path_of_zip_file.zip -p Profile_Name
Conclusion
We have learned how to upgrade Vmware ESXi 6.7 to VMware ESXi 7 U3 via SSH and esxcli command. Hope this article is useful for you. Share for care.