ESXi Host Reports Alert: VAAI Plugin Version Does Not Match Expected Value

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

ESXi hosts are reporting a persistent health alert indicating that the installed version of the VAAI storage plugin does not align with the version expected by the host's monitoring system.

• Observed Alert Message: VAAI plugin on host is not latest. Installed version: '3.0-44d2a400', expected version: '['2.0-5dfbc550', '4.0-c4ae9967']'

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

The underlying cause is a version mismatch identified by ESXi monitoring, specifically relating to a third-party provided VAAI plugin (VIB).

• The installed plugin version (Eg. 3.0-44d2a400) is being flagged as outdated or incompatible with the expected version range (['2.0-5dfbc550', '4.0-c4ae9967']), triggering the alert.

Resolution

Confirm the operational status of the installed plugin:

1. Vendor Confirmation: Check with the storage vendor (e.g., Nutanix support team) to confirm if the installed version (Eg. 3.0-44d2a400) is functionally sound and if the alert can be safely ignored.

2. Plugin Management: If the plugin is confirmed to be stable or the VAAI functionality is not actively required, you may:

   • Ignore the alert if the vendor confirms it is a benign monitoring discrepancy.

   • Remove the plugin (VIB) if VAAI acceleration is not in use for the connected storage.

 

Since this VAAI plugin is a third-party component, the definitive action requires verification and a potential plugin update from the vendor.

The recommended solution is to upgrade the VAAI plugin to the latest version released by the storage vendor (e.g., Nutanix) that is confirmed to be compatible with the installed ESXi version.