ESXi Security patching with a failed disk in vSAN cluster

Products

• VMware vSAN

Issue/Introduction

Is it safe to patch an ESXi host with a failed disk in a vSAN cluster?  

Environment

ESXi 7.X

ESXi 8.X

Cause

New patch available while waiting for replacement hardware

Resolution

Patching an ESXi host is perfectly safe while waiting for a replacement disk but be sure to review the Additional Information section for other important environmental configurations to take into consideration before attempting the patching.  

Once those have been reviewed, you can use the Overview of the ESXi Host Upgrade Process here for more details on upgrading and patching.  

Additional Information

Overview of the ESXi Host Upgrade Process

The  vSAN storage policy requirements as well as Maintenance Mode options should be reviewed before proceeding with the patching to be sure the safest actions are taken.

For upgrading or patching with other failed hardware, please open a ticket with Broadcom vSAN support.