Navigate to Manage > Licensing to enter your ESXi 8.0 serial key. If you don't have one, it will run in "Evaluation Mode" for 60 days. Conclusion
Yes, you can upgrade to the free version of ESXi 8.0 Update 3e at no cost. However, if you upgrade an existing free ESXi 7.0 host, it may enter evaluation mode, requiring you to apply a free license key (embedded in the 8.0U3e ISO).
Select VMware Cloud Foundation or vSphere .
If you still want a Google Drive-like experience, here is the safe process: vmware esxi 80 download iso google drive install
⚠️ : Some releases (like 8.0g) are specifically for compliance with security certifications and may not be intended for general use.
After rebooting, you'll see the ESXi Direct Console User Interface (DCUI):
Before we dive into the Google Drive download process, ensure your hardware is compatible. ESXi 8.0 has dropped support for many older CPUs. Navigate to Manage > Licensing to enter your ESXi 8
Choose the drive where you want to install ESXi. Warning: This will wipe the disk. Keyboard Layout: Select your layout (default is US). Root Password: Set a strong root password. Confirm: Press F11 to start the installation.
While you may find "mirror" links on sites like Google Drive or GitHub Gists, these are for security reasons. ISOs from unofficial sources could contain malware or be tampered with.
: At least 32 GB of persistent storage (HDD, SSD, or NVMe) for the boot disk. Network : One or more Gigabit Ethernet controllers. 3. Preparing Your Installation Media However, if you upgrade an existing free ESXi 7
to ensure you receive a legitimate, virus-free ISO with the latest security updates, such as , which restored the free hypervisor option. How to Download VMware ESXi 8.0 ISO
VMware ESXi 8.0 Download ISO & Install Guide: Get Free Version (2026)
(Note: always download VMware ESXi ISOs from VMware’s official site before uploading to cloud storage.)