How to access DCUI/Console of ESXi using ALT+F Keys

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides information on the keys used to access the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) of an ESXi host.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Resolution

After you enable the ESXi Shell in the direct console, you can use these below combination of ALT + Function keys to access the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) of an ESXi host:

• ALT+F1 = Switches to the console.
• ALT+F2 = Switches to the DCUI.
• ALT+F11 = Returns to the banner screen.
• ALT+F12 = Displays the VMkernel log on the console.