vLCM image compliance shows non-compliance status for device firmware
Article ID: 427741
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
When running image compliance check in Lifecycle Manager (Image-based mode), hardware devices such as storage controllers, NICs, or HBAs may be reported as non-compliance.
The compliance view may show entries similar to the following:
Firmware Component Host Version Image Version
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Device xxx Version A Version B ⚠ Non-compliant
The ESXi host remains operational, but vLCM indicates that one or more firmware components do not match the cluster image.
Environment
- vCenter and ESXi 7.x or above.
- vCenter with vLCM Images configured
- ESXi hosts managed by lifecycle manager with image-based mode
Cause
In image-based lifecycle management, the cluster image defines both the ESXi software version and the required hardware firmware versions for supported hardware components.
A warning appears when the "Host version" is not equal to the "Image version". This means the device firmware currently running on the host does not match the firmware level defined by the cluster image.
This behavior is expected and does not indicate a problem with ESXi, vLCM, or the hardware.
Resolution
Update the affected device firmware to the version required by the cluster image using the hardware vendor’s supported firmware update method, such as:
-
Vendor firmware bundles
-
Server management controller (iDRAC, iLO, XCC, etc.)
-
Offline firmware update tools
After the firmware is updated, re-run image compliance check and the device will become compliant.
Additional Information
Image-based lifecycle management ensures that ESXi and hardware firmware are aligned to the versions defined by the cluster image.
Firmware mismatch warnings are therefore a compliance indicator, not a failure condition.
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