Use a utility like Rufus or BalenaEtcher to flash the ESXi 7.0.3 ISO onto a high-quality USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB).
If you are installing on branded hardware, it is highly recommended to use vendor-specific ISOs that include pre-bundled drivers for better stability and performance. Dell PowerEdge
You will see a dropdown list of versions. Expand "VMware vSphere 7.0" and look for "ESXi 7.0 Update 3" . Vmware Esxi 7.0.3 Download Iso
Before installing, ensure your hardware meets these minimums:
If you are running Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, or Lenovo servers, consider looking for the "Vendor Addon" or specifically the . These contain critical drivers (like iDRAC/Smart Array) that the vanilla VMware ISO lacks. Use a utility like Rufus or BalenaEtcher to flash the ESXi 7
: Supports modern hardware accelerators like DPUs and high-end GPUs. Improved Visibility
d2e8c5a9b4f1a7e6c3b8d4f2a9e7c5b3d1f6a8e4c2b7d9f5a1e3c8b6d4f2a7e1 Expand "VMware vSphere 7
Downloading the ISO has changed significantly following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. General availability of the free "vSphere Hypervisor" (ESXi) has ended as of February 2024. Standard downloads now typically require an active support contract or entitlement. Where to Download ESXi 7.0.3
As of early 2026, the ESXi 7.0 lifecycle has seen numerous patch releases beyond the initial Update 3 launch: