"Host not compatible with the image" error during Compliance check on vSphere Lifecycle Manager

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• The vSphere  Lifecycle Manager Image Compliance check on a Cluster fails with error "Host not compatible with the image".
• The information icon in red under image version shows error "Select a Base Image that does not downgrade an installed Base Image Component.".
• Example:
  

         Note: The Components listed may vary based on the ESXi version chosen for the Image.

• The Compliance check succeeds and shows the image as 'out of compliance' when the ESXi version used in the Image is released after the installed ESXi version.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

• The issue occurs when the ESXi version defined in the image is not a supported upgrade path for the host’s current ESXi version.
• This results in a back-in-time upgrade attempt which is not supported. The Image is incompatible as the vibs in the Lifecycle Manager Image is of lower version than the one installed on the ESXi Host.

Resolution

• Verify the Upgrade Path for the current ESXi version using Product Interoperability Matrix for Upgrade Path
  
  • Under 'Select a Solution' option, choose 'VMware ESX'.
  • Uncheck 'Hide Patch Releases' to see all the ESXi versions, updates and patches.
  • Ensure that the Target ESXi version is listed as a valid upgrade path against the current ESXi version.