reboot
Apply a VMware patch on top of HPE image:
# Download VMware patch ZIP to datastore
esxcli software vib update -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/VMware-patch-ESXi-8.0U2-XXXXXX.zip
# Note: Use 'update' not 'install' to only upgrade existing VIBs
This article was last updated with current HPE and VMware patching cycles as of 2025. Always check official sources for your exact server generation (Gen10, Gen10 Plus, Gen11).
Maximizing Server Performance: The Guide to HPE Custom Images for ESXi Patched
Using an HPE Custom Image for ESXi patched with the latest updates is the most reliable way to ensure stability and performance on HPE ProLiant and Synergy hardware. Unlike standard VMware ISOs, these customized images come pre-loaded with essential drivers for network and storage controllers, as well as management tools like Agentless Management Service (AMS) and HPE SSA. Why You Need an HPE Custom Image
Standard VMware images often lack the specific drivers required for modern HPE hardware, particularly for Gen10 and Gen11 servers.
Driver Integration: Includes specific VIBs (vSphere Installation Bundles) for HPE Smart Array controllers and network adapters.
Hardware Visibility: Enables full health monitoring through HPE iLO and vCenter by including hardware-specific management agents.
Reliability: Using these images is often a requirement for a successful initial installation on newer ProLiant models. How to Get the Latest Patched Images
HPE periodically releases updated versions of these images. As of early 2026, major releases include ESXi 8.0 U3 (October 2025) and ESXi 9.0 for Synergy (October 2025).
Broadcom Support Portal: Since the VMware acquisition, all custom ISOs are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal. hpe custom image for esxi patched
HPE Support Center: Use the HPE VMware ESXi Images page as a starting point to find the correct version for your server generation (e.g., ProLiant vs. Synergy).
HPE VIBs Depot: For those already running ESXi, you can download individual driver updates and offline bundles directly from the HPE Software Delivery Repository (vibsdepot). Best Practices for Patching Your HPE ESXi Host
Keeping your custom image patched involves a two-step process: applying VMware's core security patches and HPE's driver updates.
vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM): This is the recommended tool for managing patches. You can import the HPE Custom ISO as a new image or add the HPE Add-on to an existing baseline.
Direct Command Line (CLI): For standalone hosts, use the esxcli software vib update command to apply patches without affecting the base HPE customizations.
Maintenance Mode: Always place your host in Maintenance Mode before applying patches to ensure virtual machines are safely migrated or shut down.
Order of Operations: It is generally recommended to apply the HPE Custom Image first (for driver support), followed by the latest VMware critical security patches. Compatibility and Support
Before patching, always verify compatibility using the VMware Compatibility Guide and the HPE VMware Support Matrix to ensure your hardware generation supports the target ESXi version.
Do you need help identifying the specific build number for your HPE server model? Upgrade ESXi HPE Custom image to last vmware version
Yes, you can update it via cli by running 'esxcli software vib update'. This does not affect your HPE image. For more information, Broadcom Community Upgrade ESXi HPE Custom image to last vmware version reboot
Yes, you can update it via cli by running 'esxcli software vib update'. This does not affect your HPE image. For more information, Broadcom Community VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
HPE Custom Image for ESXi is a modified version of the standard VMware ESXi ISO that includes specialized Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) drivers and management software for ProLiant, Synergy, and Apollo servers. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Patching Strategies
"Patching" an HPE custom image generally refers to one of two processes: applying VMware security updates to an existing HPE installation, or downloading a newer "pre-patched" custom ISO from HPE. Initial Installation : Use the latest HPE Custom ISO
for the first install or major version upgrades (e.g., ESXi 7.0 to 8.0) to ensure storage and network controllers are recognized. Applying Critical Patches
: You can install standard VMware security patches directly over an HPE custom image via vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) or CLI without breaking the HPE customization. Updating Drivers Only HPE vibsdepot
to download "Offline Bundles" for specific drivers (VIBs) to update your hardware support without a full OS reinstall. Broadcom Community Where to Find Patched Images
Since Broadcom acquired VMware, the download location has moved to the Broadcom Support Portal Hewlett Packard Enterprise VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
For administrators managing HPE ProLiant or Synergy hardware, maintaining a patched HPE Custom ESXi image is critical for hardware stability and security. HPE generally provides "baseline" custom images for major updates (e.g., ESXi 8.0 U3), but you must often apply the latest VMware security patches yourself. Quick Guide: How to Patch Your HPE Custom ESXi Image 1. Use vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM)
This is the recommended method for managed clusters to ensure your "Recipe" (Firmware + Drivers) stays aligned.
Import the Latest Depot: Download the latest VMware ESXi patch bundle (ZIP) from the Broadcom Support Portal and the latest HPE Offline Bundle from vibsdepot.hpe.com. Apply a VMware patch on top of HPE
Create/Update Image: In vLCM, select your base HPE Custom Image, then add the specific VMware patch as an "addon" or "component".
Remediate: vCenter will handle putting hosts in maintenance mode and applying updates sequentially. 2. Manual CLI Patching (Standalone Hosts)
If you aren't using vCenter, you can apply patches directly to an existing HPE installation without breaking the custom drivers.
Manual patching doesn't scale. For 10+ hosts, use these tools to ensure every host has a HPE Custom Image for ESXi patched to the same level.
HPE releases patches as VIBs (vSphere Installation Bundles) or Offline Bundles:
The search for an "HPE Custom Image for ESXi patched" is not a one-time event. It is a continuous lifecycle process. The key takeaways:
By following this guide, your HPE ProLiant environment will remain secure, stable, and fully supported by both VMware and HPE support engineers. A properly patched HPE custom image means fewer PSODs, better iLO integration, and maximized hardware performance.
An HPE Custom Image is a version of the VMware ESXi hypervisor that has been modified by HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise). While the core kernel is identical to the generic version available from VMware, this image includes pre-installed drivers and management software specifically designed for HPE hardware.
When you see the term "Patched" in this context, it refers to an image that has been updated to include the latest security fixes and bug patches available at the time of release, ensuring the server is not only functional but secure from the moment of installation.
Apply an HPE patch VIB:
# Put host in maintenance mode
esxcli system maintenanceMode set --enable true