Windows Session Authentication Option Greyed Out on vSphere UI

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Windows session authentication in vSphere lets users log in using their Windows credentials, simplifying access for domain-joined Windows workstations and enhancing security through Active Directory integration.

Symptoms:
The option "Windows Session Authentication" is greyed at vSphere login console. 

 

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 6.7.x
VMware vCenter Server 7.0.x

Resolution

• Make sure the vCenter server is added to the domain and the domain users have right roles and permissions assigned at the vCenter level.
• Browse the vSphere web client and Download Enhanced Authentication Plugin.
• Right click and "Copy link address" and paste it in a new tab in case download does not start automatically.  

 

• Go to Google Chrome Settings>Privacy and Security>Site Settings>Additional content settings>Insecure content>
• Under "Allowed to show insecure content" add the following string: https://vmware-plugin:8094
• Windows session authentication should now be enabled. 
• Allow the Access (Uncheck "Always ask before allowing this site" if desired) while logging in to vSphere using "Windows session authentication"

Additional Information

For Mozilla Firefox browser, kindly refer: https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/70914