Install or Upgrade to ESXi 8.X on UCS C240 M6SX

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Updated:July 31, 2026
Document ID:222224

Bias-Free Language

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.

Introduction

This document describes the installation or upgrade to ESXi 8.x on UCS 240 M6 Servers.

Prerequisites

  • ESXi - Operating System for VMWare
  • UCS - Unified Computing System
  • CIMC - Cisco Integrated Management Controller
  • vKVM - Virtual Keyboard Video Mouse
  • vDVD - Virtual DVD
  • ISO - ISO Image
  • UEFI - Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
  • EULA - End User License Agreement
  • VLAN - Virtual Local Area Network
  • IPV4 - Internet Protocol version 4

Requirements

There are no specific requirements for this document.

Components Used

The information in this document is based on UCS C240 M6SX server. Cisco Custom image filename = VMware-ESXi-8.0.U2-22380479-Custom-Cisco-4.3.2-c.iso.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Configure

1. Download the Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 8.x from Broadcom.

Example of the Download Page:

Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 8.x

2. From the CIMC page, click Launch vKVM.

vKVM

3. On the KVM page, click Virtual Media > vKVM-Mapped vDVD.

vKVM Mapped vDVDvKVM Mapped vDVD

4. Browse and select the ISO Image Previously Downloaded.

Map Virtual MediaMap Virtual Media

5. Click Power > Power On System.

vKVM Power On

6. When the server is booting, press F6 to get the Boot Menu.

vKVM Console

7. At the Boot Menu, select the UEFI: Cisco vKVM-Mapped vDVD2.00.

vKVM Boot Device - DVD 2.0

8. After the selection, ESXi starts loading the Installer.

ESXi InstallerESXi Installer

9. You are presented with the ESXi Install Welcome Screen to Continue or Cancel. Press Enter to Continue.

ESXi Welcome ScreenESXi Welcome Screen

10. After you continue, the EULA Screen is presented. Press F11 to Accept.

ESXi EULA ScreenESXi EULA Screen

11. You are presented with the option to Select the Device to install the ESXi. Select the device and press Enter.

ESXi RAID SelectESXi RAID Select

12. Once the Device is selected, you are presented with the option to Install or Upgrade ESXi. Choose Install and press Enter.

ESXI Install or UpgradeESXI Install or Upgrade

13. The ESXi Install Keyboard Selection appears. Select your Keyboard Option and press Enter.

ESXi Keyboard SelectESXi Keyboard Select

14. You are prompted to Configure the ESXi Root Password. Enter the Password Values, Confirm, and press Enter.

ESXi Password ConfigESXi Password Config

15. Confirm the Install when you press F11.

ESXi Confirm InstallESXi Confirm Install

16. The install begins and shows In Progress.

ESXI Install ProgressESXI Install Progress

17. The ESXi Install completes. Press Enter to reboot the Server.

ESXi Install CompleteESXi Install Complete

18. ESXi Ejects the Virtual DVD and Reboots the Server to start for the first time.

ESXi Server RebootESXi Server Reboot

19. This is the ESXi Initial Screen after Reboot. Press F2 to Customize System.

ESXi Initial ScreenESXi Initial Screen

20. Enter the values to log in. The password was created at install.

ESXi Log in ScreenESXi Log in Screen

21. You are presented with the System Customization. Choose Configure Management Network and press Enter.

ESXi Configure ManagementESXi Configure Management

22. Choose Network Adapters and press Enter.

ESXi Management ConfigurationESXi Management Configuration

23. Select the Network Adapter for Management with the Space Bar and press Enter.

Network Adapter SelectionNetwork Adapter Selection

24. Choose VLAN (optional) and Enter the Values if required, and press Enter.

Vlan ConfigVlan Config

25. Choose IPV4 Configuration, Enter the Values, and press Enter.

IPV4 ConfigIPV4 Config

26. Use the Y Key to Accept and restart the Management Network.

IPV4 Config SaveIPV4 Config Save

27. Choose Test Management Network to test the Communication, and press Enter to Exit.

Test Mangement NetworkTest Mangement Network

Verify

There is currently no verification procedure available for this configuration.

Troubleshoot

There is currently no specific troubleshooting information available for this configuration.

Revision History

Revision Publish Date Comments
2.0
31-Jul-2026
Updated spelling, inserted horizontal lines to separate sections/readability.
1.0
26-Jul-2024
Initial Release
TAC Authored

Contributed by Cisco Engineers

  • Levi Thomas Woodcock
    Technical Consulting Engineer

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