If your server has multiple drives, you might need to configure the BIOS settings.

The BIOS boot configuration determines how your server boots. Generally, the CD-ROM device is listed first.

Note: If you are using ESXi Embedded, the BIOS boot configuration determines whether your server boots into the ESXi boot device or another boot device. Generally, the USB flash device is listed first in the BIOS boot settings on the machine that hosts ESXi.

When you install or upgrade ESXi in UEFI mode, the installer creates an UEFI boot option named VMware ESXi and makes it the default boot option, so you do not need to change the boot order.

You can change the boot setting by configuring the boot order in the BIOS during startup or by selecting a boot device from the boot device selection menu. When you change the boot order in the BIOS, the new setting affects all subsequent reboots. When you select a boot device from the boot device selection menu, the selection affects the current boot only.

Some servers do not have a boot device selection menu, in which case you must change the boot order in the BIOS even for one-time boots, and then change it back again during a subsequent reboot.

Change the BIOS Boot Setting for ESXi

Configure the BIOS boot setting for ESXi if you want the server to boot into ESXi by default.

ESXi Installable and ESXi Embedded cannot exist on the same host.

Procedure

  1. While the ESXi host is powering on, press the key required to enter your host’s BIOS setup.
    Depending on your server hardware, the key might be a function key or Delete. The option to enter the BIOS setup might be different for your server.
  2. Select the BIOS boot setting.
    Option Description
    If you are using the installable version of ESXi Select the disk on which you installed the ESXi software and move it to the first position in the list. The host boots into ESXi.
    If you are using ESXi Embedded Select the USB flash device and move it to the first position in the list. The host starts in ESXi mode.

Configure the Boot Setting for Virtual Media

If you are using remote management software to set up ESXi, you might need to configure the boot setting for virtual media.

Virtual media is a method of connecting a remote storage media such as CD-ROM, USB mass storage, ISO image, and floppy disk to a target server that can be anywhere on the network. The target server has access to the remote media, and can read from and write to it as if it were physically connected to the server's USB port.

Prerequisites

ESXi Installable and ESXi Embedded cannot exist on the same host.

Procedure

  1. Connect the media to the virtual device.
    For example, if you are using a Dell server, log in to the Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC) or a similar remote management interface and select a physical floppy or CD-ROM drive, or provide a path to a floppy image or CD-ROM image.
  2. Reboot the server.
  3. While the server is powering on, enter the device selection menu.
    Depending on your server hardware, the key might be a function key or Delete.
  4. Follow the instructions to select the virtual device.

Results

The server boots from the configured device once and goes back to the default boot order for subsequent boots. When you install or upgrade ESXi in UEFI mode, you do not need to change the boot order, because the system default boot order is set to VMware ESXi.