: Navigate to My Downloads on the left menu, then click the box labeled "Free Software Downloads available HERE" .
| Issue | Probable Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ISO lacks community NIC drivers (e.g., Realtek). | Download official ISO + include net55-r8168 driver using ESXi-Customizer. | | Shim UEFI boot failure | Corrupt partition table from Google Drive download. | Re-download ISO, verify SHA256, recreate USB with Rufus in DD mode. | | Installation hangs at 93% | Modified ISO from Google Drive with bad boot.cfg. | Use official VMware ISO only. | | “No compatible network adapters” | You have a consumer Realtek or Intel I225/I226 NIC. | Use a supported Intel PRO/1000 PT dual-port server NIC (eBay $20). |
You are now running the 60-day evaluation version. To use it beyond the trial period:
: Select the latest release (e.g., ESXi 8.0 Update 3e ), agree to the terms, and download the official ISO image.
: Navigate to My Downloads on the left menu, then click the box labeled "Free Software Downloads available HERE" .
| Issue | Probable Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ISO lacks community NIC drivers (e.g., Realtek). | Download official ISO + include net55-r8168 driver using ESXi-Customizer. | | Shim UEFI boot failure | Corrupt partition table from Google Drive download. | Re-download ISO, verify SHA256, recreate USB with Rufus in DD mode. | | Installation hangs at 93% | Modified ISO from Google Drive with bad boot.cfg. | Use official VMware ISO only. | | “No compatible network adapters” | You have a consumer Realtek or Intel I225/I226 NIC. | Use a supported Intel PRO/1000 PT dual-port server NIC (eBay $20). | vmware esxi 80 download iso google drive install
You are now running the 60-day evaluation version. To use it beyond the trial period: : Navigate to My Downloads on the left
: Select the latest release (e.g., ESXi 8.0 Update 3e ), agree to the terms, and download the official ISO image. | | Shim UEFI boot failure | Corrupt