The Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) allows you to interact with the host locally using text-based menus. Evaluate carefully whether the security requirements of your environment support enabling the Direct Console User Interface.

You can use the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) to enable local and remote access to the ESXi Shell. You access the Direct Console User Interface from the physical console attached to the host. After the host reboots and loads ESXi, press F2 to log in to the DCUI. Enter the credentials that you created when you installed ESXi.
Note: Changes made to the host using the Direct Console User Interface, the vSphere Client, ESXCLI, or other administrative tools are committed to permanent storage every hour or upon graceful shutdown. If the host fails before the changes are committed, they might be lost.

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. Press Esc until you return to the main menu of the Direct Console User Interface.

What to do next

Set the availability and idle timeouts for the ESXi Shell. See Set Availability Timeout or Idle Timeout for the ESXi Shell.