vSphere 6.7 - How to upgrade VMware ESXi 6.5 to ESXi 6.7

[@mlemieuxfireytube]

I don't understand why 5 people put a thumb down. Your video is still very helpful, even if I'm at version 7.0. Thanks!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed the video :) I also have the equivalent for vsphere 7 on my channel, be sure to check it out if you need anything

[@castigohd]

Finding your channel was like finding a gold mine. Thank yor the great and well detailed explanations

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Castigo, thank you so much for the great feedback. You're most welcome :)

[@sew3521]

I wish I could like this more than once. Thanks for such a useful video. You saved me so much time. The only improvement I can think of is going over what to do if you would add what to do if you run into VIB errors.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Wesche, you're most welcome. Thanks for the great feedback, I'll be sure to take that on board for future videos

[@sew3521]

@@sysadmintutorials my workflow going from 6.0 to 6.7 on 28 blades quickly evolved to installing the Cisco ISO using command line so I could see which VIB needed to be removed, if any. I then used the auto update process to install all of the patches. Overall the process took less than 8 hours and thanks to maintenance mode involved zero down time.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Excellent, Wesche, well done. Are you using Cisco UCS blades or c-series rack mount servers ?

[@sew3521]

​@@sysadmintutorials They were a mix of M3, M4, and M5 blades. I updated their firmware the night before the ESXi update. The environment I inherited was a bit out of date however I am quickly getting that fixed. My next big project is getting our NetApp environment updated. I didn't do a scientific test but it felt like the command line method was noticeably faster than the Update Manager method.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Just be sure to use the correct Cisco drivers for the version of firmware you are using on the blades. Have a look at the VMware Matrix for I/O devices. What NetApp storage do you have, and what versions are you going from and too ?

[@morsstefan8342]

Great video, everything explained perfectly.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for the great feedback :)

[@RedHatcc]

The VUM / Host Profile method work great! Used the Flash interface, so you had to click in a few different places, but all in all worked like a charm!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hey Casey, excellent good to hear! Thanks for the feedback

[@JoanNin]

wow this is a great guide to upgrade my ESXi 6.5

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you JN1n :)

[@AKFishnFool]

THANK YOU for the video and detailed explanations! This is very helpful!!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Bill, thank you for your comment, you are most welcome

[@MindControl69]

Great tutorial, plain and simple. Thank you

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Automatikke, you're welcome

[@jubei612]

You should have a list of the commands in the Notes. That way users can copy and paste and easier to read. Thank you for this guide!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Jubei612, thanks for the feedback will definately take that onboard for future videos

[@PedroMatosMAC]

Thank you for this great video. Very clear and detailed. Continue the great work please.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Pedro, thanks for the awesome feedback. You're welcome

[@MILIND_NAGRALE]

Thanks a lot, you have explained in a simple way to understand every one.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Milind, thanks for the great feedback and glad you enjoyed the video

[@diannelopez4519]

Thank you! I really like your videos, very thorough explanations and you made this upgrade so much easier for me!!!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Dianne, thank you for the great feedback and thank you for subscribing :) You're welcome, glad I was able to help

[@BkodkodA]

Thank's brother , Great explanation!

[@sysadmintutorials]

You're welcome Shlomi, thanks for the feedback

[@rfrancoi]

PERFECT! Thank you Sir.

[@sysadmintutorials]

You're welcome francoi

[@dhunsyamdaji]

Great tutorial, really helped.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Dhunsyam

[@rahulrajee]

Very Well explained. This is very helpful!!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Rahul for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@classics967]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@sysadmintutorials]

You're welcome Classic's

[@Samwitwikcy]

Straight and clear

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Challagali :)

[@TheSysadminChannel]

Nice to see you back and uploading regularly again... I enjoy your videos.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you, got a few new videos lined up coming soon

[@KemalRizky]

Best Xplanaiton ever !!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Kemal

[@Shahnawaz_Mansoori]

Thanks for making this very helpful video.

[@sysadmintutorials]

You're welcome Md, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for being a subscriber

[@aboodshazy4745]

lovely content bro you made our life easier great info, Thanks a lot :D

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Abood, you're welcome, glad you liked it. I'll be adding an upgrade video soon for upgrading to ESXi 7.0. If you're a subscriber you'll get notified when I upload new content :)

[@simonsays335]

Superb, thanks! :)

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thanks for the feed back Simon, you're welcome

[@Nockster10]

-p on the esxcli command stands for profile name, just in case someone is trying to deploy a custom profile that they have named differently

[@kongwu482]

thanks for the video.. but I have one question. How did you remote into the console? I've google but didn't see a good tutorial on how to do it. thanks

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Kong, do you mean open up a virtual machine console window ?

[@kongwu482]

@@sysadmintutorials Yes.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Kong, you can right click a VM and select 'Open Remote Console'

[@babupachiyappan3163]

great demo

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Babu :)

[@iansalgado8710]

Hi SysAdminTutorials, awesome video !!.. thank you.... can you do a upgrade from esxi 6.5 to ESXi 7.0U3c directly or do you have to go with some of the version in between ? cheers

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Ian, thank you so much. Have a look at the 6.5 upgrade matrix here, it shows you what is possible - kb.vmware.com/s/article/67077#ESXi6.xto7.0.x

[@iansalgado8710]

@@sysadmintutorials Aweseome !!... thank you 👍

[@n8johnson]

Thanks for the video. How did you launch the console window to your ESXi host? I have logged into the host through the browser, but I see no option to launch a console window.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Nate, the esxi hosts are nested. How do you have your esxi hosts setup, is it directly installed onto physical hardware or is it also nested for lab purposes ?

[@tomday4781]

Thanks this was very helpful! Can I ask how you use VMRC to open a remote window into the ESXi host? I can do it for my VMs but unsure of how to for the hosts.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Tom, thank you :) I can use VMRC because the ESXi host is a virtual machine. If it was a physical server I would have to use the out of band management such as iDRAC, iLO, or Cisco UCSM for example, depending on your vendor

[@gakca]

Thanks for the video, it is very detailed one. Quick question, what about when you upgrade v6.5 with ext. PSCs to 6.7 ? We need to start with PSCs first right ?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Gunay, you're welcome, glad you enjoyed it. Yes you will want to upgrade the PSC's first. However if you are running external PSC's I would be looking to combine them to internal as there are no more external psc's moving forward. Please also make sure you read the VMware upgrade guide to see if there is anything else you need to do according to your environment. This is just as a pre-caution since I only covered the upgrade for an internal PSC here.

[@joelistenbee]

thank you for the awesome video. I have one question for you. So you can't go straight from 6.5 to 6.7u3b using cli option?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Joe, What version of 6.5 are you upgrading from ? Looking at the upgrade matrix from VMware interopmatrix.vmware.com/#/Upgrade?productId=1 If you are running 6.5 before 6.5 U2 (Build: 8294253) you will run into an issue with an expired vib cert kb.vmware.com/s/article/76555

[@joelistenbee]

6.5.0

[@joelistenbee]

@@sysadmintutorials just did our test cluster and had to go to base first. I did it via the cli which was cool

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Joe, that's great, glad you got it all upgraded, well done

[@brian64567]

Great video, thank you! When upgrading from 6.5 to 6.7, do you need to upgrade vCenter first before the ESXi servers?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Brian, thank you. Yes upgrade vcenter first. Check the vmware compatibility site for compatibility between vcenter 6.7 and your 6.5 esxi hosts www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/sim/interop_matrix.php

[@MrScanko]

best manual :D just updated 6.5 -> 7.0

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Dimitry, great to hear, well done :)

[@m3pwrofm3]

I have a question in regards to upgrading from 6.5 release version 10-15-2020 to the 6.7U3B ISO release date 5-12-2019. VMware has a lot of red flags when it comes to doing "back in time" updates but unfortunately trying to use the version 6.7 patch release 11/19/2020 doesn't work in the cli, I get DependencyErrors even when trying to use the esxcli software profile update -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/ESXiXXX.zip -p . I get an Unknown flag error for the -p. Basically I don't want to brick my host by performing a back in time upgrade so i'm really worried about moving forward until there is a 2021 release with an ISO.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Greg, firstly thanks for being a subscriber :) In regards to upgrading always check the VMware Compatibility Matrix, as they will post KB articles with what you need to look out for. Have a look at this table for ESXi 6.5 and the warnings issued. Looks like you may be hitting the expired certificate on VIB. www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/sim/interop_matrix.php#upgrade&solution=1 you may have to go to esxi 6.7U1 or U2 first and then a second upgrade up to 6.7u3. But if in doubt always log a VMware support ticket.

[@amitchettri_ac]

Hello sysadmintutotials, i want to understand if Update Manager required a separate license to configure with the vcenter?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Amit, no it does not require a separate license. It's included with vCenter.

[@mr.mcloremcclure2522]

trying to do this through CLI. Worked for one host but not fot the others. Seems you have to update 6.5 patches before moving to 6.7?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi McIore, check the vmware compatibility list for latest updates on upgrading source versions to destination - interopmatrix.vmware.com/Upgrade

[@Dany-rh5ur]

Hey thanks for the video. I have a question I was hoping you could help me answer. We're currently using ESXi 6.5 and for a long time we've had both performance and quality issues when connecting to our VM's using VMware Horizon Client. Will upgrading ESXi from 6.5 -> 6.7 help improve performance or do you know know some tricks to what we can do about our current situation? :-)

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi, are you familiar with the performance monitoring metrics within vcenter (with the levels bumped up to level 4) ? If not probably the easiest way to quickly diagnose what is going on would be to download a trial version of VeeamOne or install vRealize Operations in trial mode. Hook it into your system and you should be able to tell pretty quick what your issues are.

[@TheViNNiSaNtoS]

Dear, could answer me a specific question? How can you access ESXi host console screen using VMRC?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Marcio, are you running nested ESXi, if so you can open the console using VMRC via the base vcenter ? If your ESXi is on a physical server you would use an out-of-band management port to connect to the console, such as ilo, drac, etc

[@dhanshekar6846]

very nicely meticlous demo give

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Dhan

[@supportdepartment8277]

great tutorial but i have one question: if my VCenter is on ESXiA which one i upgraded first ESXiA or ESXiB? notice that i will shutdown all servers on ESXiA because there is no space to transfer them on ESXiB. Thanks

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi there, so I gather you have ESXiA and ESXiB in a cluster with shared storage ? If so, you just need to make sure that the vcenter vm is not on the ESXi host you are upgrading. Put the ESXi host in maintenance mode first and evacuate all vm's.

[@supportdepartment8277]

sysadmintutorials nice, thanks man

[@rheysamala1206]

Can I upgrade directly from VMware ESXi, 6.5.0, 17477841 to VMware_ESXi_6.7.0_17700523 using the CLI method?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Rhey, check on the VMware upgrade compatibility matrix. If it's supported there it shouldn't be a problem. If there are any caveats i.e. CLI upgrade not supported, it should be listed there

[@jenia3dfx]

Is the esxcli software profile update also upgrading ethernet and let say storage controller ? Or its only raise the build and leave drivers untouched? What about vendor compatibility esxi versions ? I suppose for iso update i will use vendor esxi custom , but what about offline bundle ? I dont think server vendor provide this kind of custom bundle

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi you are correct, you can upgrade with a vendor specific ISO image, this way you are sure that the correct drivers are installed. For the offline bundle, I would perform the upgrade and then download the correct drivers from the vendor for ESXi 6.7, put these in a new Upgrade Manager Extension Baseline. Attach it to the host, scan it and then if needed stage and remediate.

[@tlwisner]

This works well except for my older Dell PowerEdge R620s running ESXi on mirrored 1GB SD cards. There is not enough room to copy 6.7 .iso to the upgrade target so it fails and I am left having to use a disc for the upgrade. The 6.5-6.7 upgrades on newer servers went very quickly.

[@rober6305]

Muy buenos videos y muy bien explicados ¡¡¡Great Job!!!!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Rober, thank you

[@techmidas]

I've got 1 host which, my vcenter server is running off this host, does that mean I am unable to use this method. I've just been using 2 usb drives to run esxi and every time a new update comes I do a full install on the spare usb and run off it until the next update lol. Unfortunately I can't afford real server equipment so just running this all off a built machine.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi TechMidas, you'll have to shutdown all the vm's on the ESXi host. Then in the video go to minute 8, I explain how to upgrade the host using CLI

[@techmidas]

@@sysadmintutorials Thank you, also, I notice you released the upgrade of VCenter before this video, does that mean I need to upgrade VCenter first then do this? Thank you for your help.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Exactly, upgrade vCenter first

[@techmidas]

@@sysadmintutorials So after much tinkering and workarounds I finally got to the remediate stage but unfortunately got an incompatible hardware error. Is there a work around for this or do I have to just run a clean install?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi TechMidas, do you have the full error message ? Also what CPU are you using ? The CPU might not be compatible with ESXi 6.7. It happened to me in my lab and I had to upgrade my CPU's

[@garvolt]

At 8.40 you typed in cd /var/tmp then suddenly the /vmfs/volumes appeared ..... How did you get the name of the directory for /var/tmp

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Jim, yes that is correct, when you type in cd /var/tmp it will change to what you saw on screen automatically.

[@237311]

You have two nsx-a-esxi1 & 2, how does esxi1 host by putting in maintenance mode to automatically transfer all VMs in esxi2 host?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi RL, which part of the video are you referring to ? Can you please give me the time code ?

[@Humpix]

I would like to do this with the Update Manager, unfortunately it is missing with my vCenter 6.7 Proton OS thing... Well, then continue as before with the good old DVD...

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Humpix, what version of vcenter 6.7 are you using update 1,2 or 3 ?

[@Humpix]

@@sysadmintutorials Hi. I was able to fix it. Was a internal certificate error. So I can use your tutorial now. Thank you very much for this! Greetigs

[@sysadmintutorials]

Excellent Humpix, well done :)

[@kirtanpatel4889]

Thanks very helpful video...

[@sysadmintutorials]

Thank you Kirtan, happy I could help :)

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Kirtan, thanks for the feedback

[@237311]

Bit confused here. Didnt see how did you setup vmotion to migrate all the VMs from host1 to host2.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi RL, vmotion network was previously setup. If you can let me know what part you are not sure about I'll try to guide you.

[@237311]

@@sysadmintutorials Maintenance mode at 3:05. Here it mentioned that the host will go to maintenance mode once all the VMs have migrated of from esx1 to esx2 host. I assumed that vMotion was already been setup before this video tutorial? What would happen if we dont migrate the VMs? My ESXi -1 host is standalone running on bare-metal, and the 2nd ESXi-2 host is installed in Workstation 15 pro. Should I power off all the VMs running on the ESXi-1 before I put to maintenance mode?

[@Foxtrot1967]

@1:47 "update manager home" missing

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Foxtrot, do you have update manager installed ? In 6.5 it's a separate install to vcenter

[@Foxtrot1967]

@@sysadmintutorials Hi sysdamintutorials! Thanks for getting back to me. My Hosts are running esxi 7.0.3C, which has critical issues and needs to be upgraded to 7.0.3g ASAP. It has already corrupted several VM's.

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Foxtrot yeah 3c is nasty, just to clarify what is your vcenter version in this enviroment with the esxi 7u3c hosts ?

[@Foxtrot1967]

@@sysadmintutorials Hello again! My VCS Environment is: Version: 7.0.3 Build: 18778458

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Foxtrot, that build number is update 3a, latest that is out now is update 3h. Just a pro tip, if you are not running skyline.vmware.com you should get it deploy, it's a free service that works by deploying a collector in your environment which then reports on any issues within your environment in regards to build versions, incompatible drivers, etc If I was you I would get that deployed and then work off the recommendations that it finds, for example it will let you know what version you should update your vcenter and esxi hosts to

[@Okikor1]

My VM's dont automatically move to anotehr host after putting the host in maintenance mode. Do i need a DRS license?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Okan, you need to have DRS enabled and have it set to auto

[@JoanNin]

if i dont have vCenter i need to do the Part 2 of this tutorial?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi JN1n, yes that's correct because you would be missing update manager. All in all, you will still be able to achieve the upgrade

[@JoanNin]

@@sysadmintutorials kudos bro

[@prashan9311]

hello, can u make video on how to upgrade OS in vm

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Prashan, what OS do you need to know about upgrade from and to ?

[@prashan9311]

@@sysadmintutorials suppose, currently I'm on windows 2008 and I've to upgrade into 2016 os

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Prashan, what is running on this server ? i.e. is it a domain controller, is it running some other software, etc ?

[@prashan9311]

@@sysadmintutorials its VM server win 2012 OS running

[@shaikhsafruddin1620]

Tank u so much

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Shaikh, you're welcome

[@RockyGuido]

Ummmm im getting "Failed to power on virtual machine Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit. Transport (VMDB) error -45: Failed to connect to peer process" Click here for more details. Is this really bad?

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Rocky, this error seems to be related to a full disk. Can you SSH into your ESXi host and check that you have enough free disk space. Let us know how you go.

[@tlourey]

Bahaha, I'll head off to the right. I need to make a copy of it and add sound effects like falling off chair and hitting trash cans.

[@sysadmintutorials]

hahaha that might be an idea, do you like the green screen effect ?

[@tlourey]

@@sysadmintutorials I did. It makes a REAL tech video a little more personable, which is good. Plus for others it puts a face to the voice they have heard for a while.

[@Naresh3441]

Thank you! I really like your videos, very thorough explanations and you made this upgrade so much easier for me!!

[@sysadmintutorials]

Hi Naresh, thank you for the great feedback. Glad the video made your upgrade easier :)