Install ESXi on all hosts in the first cluster in the management domain interactively. You can use the same process to install ESXi on additional hosts for the management domain, or on hosts for a VI workload domain.

Repeat this procedure for each host in the cluster that you want to add to a workload domain.

Procedure

  1. Mount the ESXi ISO on the host and restart the machine.
  2. Set the BIOS or UEFI to boot from the mounted ISO.
    Note: If your system has supported data processing units (DPUs), you can only use UEFI to install and boot ESXi on the DPUs.
    See your hardware vendor documentation for information on changing boot order.
    After scanning for available devices completes, if your system has supported DPUs, you see them listed with their respective PCI slots.
  3. If your system has supported DPUs, select the DPU on which you want to install ESXi and press Enter.
    In the DPU Details screen, you see all properties of the DPU device.
  4. On the Select a Disk to Install or Upgrade screen, select the drive on which to install ESXi on and press Enter.
  5. Select the keyboard type for the host.
    You can change the keyboard type after installation in the direct console.
  6. Enter the root password for the host.
  7. Press F11 to start the installation.
  8. On the Installation Complete screen, press Enter to reboot the host.
  9. Set the first boot device to be the drive on which you installed ESXi.
  10. Repeat this procedure for all remaining hosts.