Patch ESXi from command line

Download the update package ZIP file from the MyVMWare portal

Transfer the the Zip file to the ESXi datastore

Step 3 – Establish an SSH connection using putty or otherwise.

Step 4 – Place the host in maintenance mode. To this, either use the vSphere client or run the following command from shell.

vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter

Figure 4 – Placing a host in maintenance mode

Step 5 – Install the patch

This is where we use the esxcli software vib command to install the patch. This step warrants some more detail. The esxcli software vib command takes on two installation parameters these being update and install. The difference between the two is important since update DOES NOT overwrite existing files with a higher version than those being installed. The install parameter on the other hand doesn’t really care and bulldozes its way through overwriting conflicting files regardless of version. Bottom-line is, be very careful when you use the install option. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to refer to any KB article released for the patch or update in question. For further information make sure to check this out.

For this example, I’m using the command below to apply the patch previously downloaded. The path specified the -d parameter will, of course, vary according to the datastore or folder to which you copied the update file. Keep in mind also that you must specify the full path to the patch or update that you wish to install.

esxcli software

vib

 update -d "/

vmfs

/volumes/55fbd499-7588730f-f5a1-005056b87047/ESXi550-201601001.zip"

If all goes according to plan, you should see something similar to the output in Figure 5.

Figure 5 – Installing a patch using esxcli

Step 6 – Take the host out of maintenance mode and reboot it when prompted to do so.

Figure 6 – Exiting maintenance mode