Deploying VMware ESXi 8 on Dell PowerEdge servers requires using the official Dell Customized Image. Using the generic VMware installer can lead to missing storage controllers, network interface card (NIC) failures, and a lack of critical hardware monitoring. Dell customizes the base VMware ESXi image by injecting validated drivers and providers specifically tuned for PowerEdge architecture.
Dell’s customization includes several key components:
: Click the Custom ISOs tab at the top and type "Dell" in the search box to filter the list.
:
Click on VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) and filter the version to 8.0 (or specific update releases like 8.0 U1, 8.0 U2, or 8.0 U3). vmware esxi 8 dell customized iso download
Set the server next-boot target to via the iDRAC boot control menu.
: Locate the desired version (e.g., Dell Custom Image for ESXi 8.0U3 ), agree to the terms, and click the download icon.
Dell also provides a :
Even with a customized image, problems can occur. Below are some of the most frequently encountered issues and how to resolve them. Deploying VMware ESXi 8 on Dell PowerEdge servers
Look for the tabs or filters at the top of the file listing. Click on the or OEM Custom ISOs tab.
Accept the Broadcom End User License Agreement (EULA) if prompted. Save the file to your local machine. Verifying the ISO Image Integrity
Step-by-Step: How to Download VMware ESXi 8 Dell Customized ISO
You didn’t install the OpenManage vib. Solution: Download Dell-OMSA-12.0.0-XXXX_VMware8.zip from Dell support and install via esxcli . : Locate the desired version (e
Before downloading, ensure your target hardware is compatible with the latest vSphere releases. Feature / Spec Requirement for ESXi 8.0
Includes native drivers for Dell PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controllers), BOSS (Boot Optimized Storage Solution) cards, and Broadcom/Intel enterprise NICs.
The is an image built by Dell Technologies in collaboration with VMware. It bakes in:
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, all official custom ISOs are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal. Step-by-Step Instructions
