esxi Update process

Find the ESXi version information:

~ # vmware -l
VMware ESXi 5.5.0 Update 3
~ # vmware --version
VMware ESXi 5.5.0 build-5230635

Download patches from the patch portal

Upload the patch to the esxi system’s datastore.

Suspend, shutdown, or migrate all running VMs.

Put the host into maintenance mode:

vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter

cd to the directory containing the patch file

Install the patch:

esxcli software vib update --depot=/full/path/to/patch.zip

Verity the installation.

esxcli software vib list

Reboot.

Exit maintenance mode:

vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_exit

Restore the Vms.

Note

Instructions are from VMWare kb 2008939