Upload the ESXi ZIP file to the Image Depot in the Lifecycle Manager.

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

In some environments, users have an isolated vCenter server and are required to manage the cluster using a custom image.

Environment

• VMware vCenter Server 7.0 
• VMware vCenter Server 8.0 

Cause

Using an isolated vCenter server where the LCM depot is unable to sync with the Broadcom website, requiring the image to be downloaded manually.

Resolution

The image will not appear in the dropdown unless the ESXi offline bundle has been uploaded to the Lifecycle Manager depot.

Steps to Upload the ESXi Offline Bundle ZIP File to the LCM Depot - 

• Navigate to Lifecycle Manager in the vCenter server
• Go to Image Depot.
• Click: Actions > Import Image.
• Upload - The offline bundle ZIP file for the desired ESXi version.
• Refresh - The vCenter Server UI to ensure the new image appears in the Image Depot.
• Go to: Cluster > Updates tab > Edit.
• Select - The newly uploaded ESXi version will now be available for selection and upgrade.

Additional Information

For a custom ISO, you can directly upload it, and it will display the included Vendor Addons. Alternatively, you can upload the standard image and manually add the hardware vendor addons.

Reference - 

• Online and Offline Depots - https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/7-0/managing-host-and-cluster-lifecycle-7-0/working-with-vsphere-lifecycle-manager-depots/online-and-offline-depots.html