How To Check Esxi Version

5 min read Oct 10, 2024
How To Check Esxi Version

How to Check ESXi Version: A Quick Guide

Knowing the version of your ESXi server is crucial for various reasons, including:

  • Compatibility: Ensuring your ESXi version is compatible with your desired virtual machines and applications.
  • Security Patches: Staying updated with the latest security patches to protect your environment from vulnerabilities.
  • Feature Updates: Accessing the latest features and enhancements available in newer ESXi versions.
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying the root cause of any issues you encounter, as certain issues might be specific to a particular ESXi version.

Let's explore different methods to check your ESXi version:

1. Directly from the ESXi Host Console

This is the most straightforward method:

  1. Log in to your ESXi host: Access the ESXi console by opening a web browser and navigating to the IP address of your host (e.g., https://192.168.1.100).
  2. Check the version: Look for the ESXi version information displayed at the bottom of the console, typically in the footer.

2. Using the esxcli Command

The esxcli command-line tool provides detailed information about your ESXi environment. To check the version:

  1. Log in to the ESXi host via SSH: Use an SSH client like PuTTY to connect to your ESXi host using the root credentials.

  2. Run the command: Execute the following command:

    esxcli system version get
    
  3. View the output: The command output will display the ESXi version, build number, and other system details.

3. Examining the System Information in the vCenter Server

If you are using vCenter Server to manage your ESXi hosts:

  1. Access vCenter Server: Log in to the vCenter Server web interface.
  2. Locate the ESXi host: Navigate to the "Hosts and Clusters" view and select the ESXi host you want to check.
  3. View the Summary tab: Go to the "Summary" tab of the host's details.
  4. Check the version: The ESXi version will be listed in the "System Information" section.

4. Checking the Host Configuration File

You can also find the ESXi version within the host configuration file:

  1. Access the ESXi host via SSH: Connect to your ESXi host using SSH.

  2. Navigate to the configuration file: Use the following command to reach the configuration file:

    cd /etc/vmware/esx.conf
    
  3. View the file contents: Inspect the esx.conf file using a text editor like nano:

    nano esx.conf
    
  4. Locate the version information: Search for a line similar to this:

    build = "20220800"
    

    This will display the ESXi build number, which helps identify the version.

5. Using the vim-cmd Command

This command-line tool provides access to various ESXi management tasks. To check the version:

  1. Connect to the ESXi host via SSH: Establish an SSH connection to your host.

  2. Run the command: Execute the following command:

    vim-cmd vmsvc/getallversions
    
  3. Analyze the output: The output will include various version details, including the ESXi version.

Conclusion

Checking your ESXi version is a simple yet important task for maintaining a secure and efficient virtualization environment. Whether you use the direct console approach, command-line tools, vCenter Server, or configuration files, these methods provide clear and reliable information about the ESXi version running on your host. Remember to keep your ESXi version updated with the latest patches and features for optimal performance and security.