How to perform image-based ESXi host updates using vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) and HPE OneView for VMware vCenter

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

This article outlines the steps to perform image-based updates in vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) using an HPE OneView Hardware Support Manager (HSM). This procedure is intended for environments where HPE OneView is configured to manage firmware and driver baselines in conjunction with vSphere host OS updates.

Prerequisites

• HPE OneView appliance is installed and reachable from vCenter.
• HPE OneView plugin for VMware vCenter is registered and configured.
• ESXi hosts are compatible with vLCM image-based lifecycle management.
• Work with HPE support to verify your upgrade plan, making sure that ESXi version, firmware and driver versions are supported and match.

Environment

ESXi 8.x

Resolution

1. Register the Hardware Support Manager (HSM):

   • Work with HPE support to register HPE OneView (the Hardware Support Manager is supported by HPE).

2. Create or Edit the vLCM Image:

   • Navigate to the Cluster level in the vSphere Client.
   • Select the Updates tab and click Image.
   • Click Edit to define the desired ESXi version (e.g., 8.0 U3k).
   • Ensure the Vendor Add-on is selected to include the HPE-specific components.

3. Validate and Remediate:

   • Once the image spec is saved, click Check Compliance to identify drift between current host states and the desired image.
   • Click Remediate All to begin the automated OS and firmware/driver update process.
   • Monitor the task status in vCenter to track the progress of the HSM firmware update alongside the ESXi patch installation.