For the truly paranoid:
Click the download button for the ISO image (not the offline bundle or tools ZIP). The file size will be approximately 450–550 MB.
This is where most users get lost. Do not search for "ESXi 7.0" generically.
On Windows:
On Linux / macOS:
Q: Is the ESXi 7.0 ISO still free? A: Yes. VMware (now Broadcom) still offers a free version of ESXi 7.0 for single-host, non-production use. You need to log into the portal and request a free license key. download vmware esxi 70 iso verified
Q: I have an existing VMware account. Why can't I see the download? A: Because of the Broadcom transition, you must accept new terms of service and link your old account. Use the "Account Linking" tool in the Broadcom profile settings.
Q: What is the difference between ESXi 7.0 and vSphere 7.0? A: ESXi 7.0 is the hypervisor ISO (the bare-metal OS). vSphere 7.0 typically refers to the full suite including vCenter Server. For a single host, you only need the ESXi ISO.
Q: Can I upgrade from ESXi 6.7 to 7.0 using a verified ISO? A: Yes, but a clean installation is safer. For upgrades, use the ISO as a bootable medium and select "Upgrade" at the installer prompt. Ensure your hardware is on the VMware Compatibility Guide (VCG) before proceeding.
Q: What if my SHA256 hash doesn't match? A: Do not install. Clear your browser cache, disable download accelerators (which can corrupt binaries), and download again. If it fails twice, contact Broadcom support—there may be a mirror issue.
python3 esxi_downloader.py --no-verify
Downloading a verified VMware ESXi 7.0 ISO now requires navigating the Broadcom Support Portal, as direct trial downloads from the legacy VMware site are no longer available to the general public without a support contract. Where to Download ESXi 7.0 ISO
Official Broadcom Portal: The primary source for all VMware downloads. Users must register an account and log in to the Broadcom Support Portal.
Custom OEM Images: If you lack a standard entitlement, you can often still download manufacturer-specific ISOs (e.g., from Dell or HPE) which are verified for their specific hardware and sometimes available for free trial periods.
Customer Connect: Legacy users may still find components under All Products > VMware vSphere in their account dashboard. How to Verify Your ISO (Checksums)
To ensure the file is "verified" and has not been tampered with, you must match its hash against the official values provided on the download page. For the truly paranoid:
Locate the Official Hash: On the Broadcom or OEM download page, click the "Checksums" or "More Info" link next to the ISO to find the MD5, SHA1, or SHA256 string. Generate a Local Hash:
Windows (PowerShell): Get-FileHash 'C:\path\to\ESXi-7.0.iso' -Algorithm MD5. Linux/macOS (Terminal): md5sum /path/to/ESXi-7.0.iso.
Compare: Ensure your locally generated string exactly matches the official one. Any discrepancy indicates a corrupted or unsafe download. Step-by-Step Download Process
Register/Login: Create a Broadcom account using a valid email. Navigate: Go to My Downloads and search for VMware vSphere. Select Version: Choose 7.0 from the version dropdown. Download Type: Standard ISO: Under the Products tab for vSphere.
Custom ISO: Under the Custom ISOs tab for server-specific versions (Dell, HP, Lenovo). Click the download button for the ISO image
Accept Terms: You must agree to the Broadcom EULA and may need to complete a screening process.