Introduction Access the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) or the local shell of an ESXi host when the vSphere Client is unavailable or local troubleshooting is required.
Symptoms
VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x
Enable the ESXi Shell in the direct console troubleshooting options. Use the following ALT + Function key combinations to navigate the console:
If the host is unresponsive to these commands, check the hardware management controller (iLO/iDRAC) for "ACPI soft-off" signals or hardware faults.
For further assistance, .