Use the direct console user interface to enable the ESXi Shell.

Procedure

  1. From the Direct Console User Interface, press F2 to access the System Customization menu.
  2. Select Troubleshooting Options and press Enter.
  3. From the Troubleshooting Mode Options menu, select a service to enable.
    • Enable ESXi Shell
    • Enable SSH
  4. Press Enter to enable the service.
  5. (Optional) Set the timeout for the ESXi Shell.

    By default, timeouts for the ESXi Shell is 0 (disabled).

    The availability timeout setting is the number of minutes that can elapse before you must log in after the ESXi Shell is enabled. After the timeout period, if you have not logged in, the shell is disabled.

    Note: If you are logged in when the timeout period elapses, your session will persist. However, the ESXi Shell will be disabled, preventing other users from logging in.
    1. From the Troubleshooting Mode Options menu, select Modify ESXi Shell and SSH timeouts and press Enter.
    2. Enter the availability timeout in minutes.
      The availability timeout is the number of minutes that can elapse before you must log in after the ESXi Shell is enabled.
    3. Press Enter.
    4. Enter the idle timeout.
      The idle timeout is the number of minutes that can elapse before the user is logged out of an idle interactive sessions. Changes to the idle timeout apply the next time a user logs in to the ESXi Shell and do not affect existing sessions.
  6. Press Esc until you return to the main menu of the Direct Console User Interface.