Create a Timeout for ESXi Shell Availability in the VMware Host Client

The ESXi Shell is disabled by default. To increase security when you enable the shell, you can set an availability timeout for the ESXi Shell.

The availability timeout defines how long both local and remote shell logins are allowed before the ability to log in through the shell is disabled. When the availability timeout expires, any existing shell sessions remains, but new shell sessions are not allowed.

Procedure

1. Click Manage in the VMware Host Client inventory and click Advanced Settings.
2. Enter UserVars.ESXiShellTimeOut in the Search text box and click the Search icon.
3. Right-click UserVars.ESXiShellTimeOut and select Edit option from the drop-down menu.
   The Edit option dialog box opens.
4. In the New value text box, enter the timeout setting.
   A value of zero (0) disables the timeout.
5. Click Save.
   You must restart the SSH service and the ESXi Shell service for the timeout to take effect.
6. (Optional) To reset the key setting to default, right-click the appropriate key from the list and select Reset to default.