Reset root password of an ESXi host

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides steps to change or reset a lost or forgotten root password of an ESXi host.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.X
VMware vSphere ESXi 7.X
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.X

Resolution

Note: In some cases a defective keyboard can cause problems logging into an ESXi host. You might want to test with a different physical keyboard if you are having difficulties with known login credentials.

If you have forgotten or do not know the password for the root user on an ESXi host, you may be able to change it without reinstalling.


For more information on security best practices, see VMware Infrastructure 3 Security Hardening.

Note: The procedure(s) below performs a password reset. This blindly replaces the existing root password with a new one. This is not a password recovery mechanism. That is, it does not allow you to learn the original root password. VMware does not provide tools or methods to recover the original root password of an ESXi host.

 

Reset ESXI password if forgotten or lost:

If the host is managed by vCenter and is still connected, you can the reset by leveraging the host profile feature. For Host Profile feature you must have Enterprise Plus Licensing -  For more information refer to KB : Reset ESXi Root Password with Host Profile

If the host is standalone and not managed by vCenter, then re-installing ESXi is the only option.

 

Change ESXI password:

If you remember host password and wants to change password, then refer Changing ESXI password.

 

Additional Information