ESXi 8.x Host Client login hangs after session timeout

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• When an ESXi 8.x (specifically 8.0.3) Host Client web session is left idle until a timeout occurs, the subsequent login attempt fails.
• The login page appears to hang or remains stuck at the authentication splash screen after credentials are submitted.
• No error message is displayed, but the login does not progress to the host dashboard.
• Manually refreshing the browser page (F5) or reloading the URL allows the login to proceed or displays the "Logged In" status immediately.

Environment

• VMware ESXi 8.0.3 - 24859861

Cause

Under investigation. The issue appears to be related to the handling of re-authentication tokens within the browser session after an idle timeout.

Resolution

As the root cause is still being evaluated, the following workaround is available:

1. If the Host Client session has timed out, do not attempt to enter credentials on the current page.
2. Perform a manual Refresh/Reload of the browser page (Press F5).
3. Enter your credentials when prompted; the login will now proceed as expected.

Additional Information

 If the workaround does not resolve the issue, please collect a support bundle including Host Client logs and contact Broadcom Support. For more information, see Broadcom Support Portal.