Error "ESXi version change is not allowed using esxcli software vib commands..."

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Unable to update ESXi 8.0 Update 2 or apply patches using the Command-Line Interface (CLI) / not able to patch the latest version. 

The update process may fail with errors, preventing successful patch installation.

• "ESXi version change is not allowed using esxcli software vib commands. Please use a supported method to upgrade ESXi"

Environment

8.x

Cause

Beginning with ESXi 8.0 Update 2, VMware has deprecated support for upgrading or updating ESXi using the below commands:

• esxcli software vib update
• esxcli software vib install 

Attempts to use these commands for patching will fail with the error: "ESXi version change is not allowed."

This change requires administrators to use alternative supported methods for updating ESXi.

Resolution

To successfully update ESXi 8.0 Update 2 and apply patches, use the profile-based update process, as esxcli software vib update/install is no longer supported.

Recommended Update Method:

Use the following command instead

esxcli software profile update --depot=<depot_location> --profile=<profile_name>

 

Steps to Update ESXi 8.0 Update 2 (or later):

1. Download the Required Depot ZIP Bundle:

   • Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and download the ESXi 8.0 Update 2b (or later) depot ZIP.

2. Execute the Update Command:

   • Use the esxcli software profile update command with the correct depot location and profile name.
   • Ensure that the specified profile matches the version that is intended to be updated.

Additional Information

For further guidance, refer to the official VMware documentation:

• vSphere ESXi 8.0 Update 2b Release Notes
• vSphere ESXi Upgrade Guide

By following these steps, the ESXi update can be successfully completed while ensuring compatibility with VMware's supported upgrade process.