Passwd PAM Configuration is not available in ESXi Host Profile

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0
• VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

In the ESXi Host Profile configuration, the Passwd PAM Configuration setting cannot be found. This behavior is observed on ESXi 8.0 and later.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

This is expected behavior. Starting with 8.0, the Passwd PAM Configuration setting is removed from Host Profile.

Note: If a Host Profile was extracted from an ESXi 7.x host and the host is later upgraded to ESXi 8.x, the Passwd PAM Configuration section still be visible in the Host Profile when viewed in an ESXi 8.x environment.

Resolution

To configure or review ESXi local user password policies, refer to:

ESXi Password Policy & Account Lockout: Best Practices & Configuration Guide

Configure the Local User Password Complexity Policy for ESXi