HPE publishes a detailed for each ESXi custom image version. The matrix specifies:
The unmodified VMware ESXi kernel and user-world components (e.g., host daemons, vCLI). This ensures core hypervisor functionality remains pristine.
The ISO can be mounted remotely. This method is suitable for small clusters or edge servers.
The custom image includes the HPE Insight Management Agents . This allows the server hardware to communicate health status back to vCenter. hpe esxi image
The custom image concept has evolved. Since vSphere 7.0, HPE distributes the – a lightweight package containing only HPE-specific components, which is applied on top of a pristine VMware base image. This decoupling allows administrators to independently update the VMware kernel and HPE drivers.
For HPE Synergy or rack servers managed by OneView, the custom image can be part of a server profile template.
: Bundles software like the Agentless Management Service (AMS) and iLO drivers for health monitoring and hardware alerting. HPE publishes a detailed for each ESXi custom image version
Thus, using the HPE image is not merely a recommendation for production environments—it is a prerequisite for receiving technical support in case of hardware-software integration issues.
Network boot (PXE) combined with an ESXi Kickstart file referencing the custom ISO or a depot URL.
While many HPE servers can run on the standard VMware image, the custom version is and often mandatory for newer hardware. The ISO can be mounted remotely
Each VIB undergoes rigorous HPE validation to ensure no memory leaks, crashes, or performance degradation.
Allows bulk deployment of the image to multiple servers using a single dashboard.