This comprehensive guide covers the safest methods to download the official VMware ESXi 8.0 ISO, how to verify its integrity, and step-by-step instructions to install it on your hardware. Why You Avoid Third-Party Google Drive Links

Hosting your own copy of the ISO on Google Drive can make it convenient to access from multiple locations or to transfer to another machine. Note: avoid sharing links publicly for security.

Before starting the installation, ensure your hardware meets the minimum specs:

Yes and no. For ESXi 8.0 Update 3e, the license is embedded directly in the ISO. After installation, the free license is automatically applied. For earlier ESXi 8.0 versions, you had to register on the Broadcom website and request a free license key.

At least 8 GB of physical RAM. A minimum of 32 GB is highly recommended to run production virtual machines comfortably.

根据 VMware 官方硬件要求文档，以下是部署 ESXi 8.0 的最低配置：

Broadcom 在 2025 年 4 月发布的 中，重新推出了自带永久免费许可证的版本（VMware vSphere Hypervisor）。

下载 ISO 文件后，您需要将其刻录到 CD/DVD 或制作成 USB 启动盘。

Download the VMware-VMvisor-Installer-8.0U3-XXXXXX.x86_64.iso file (Update 3 or later).

Once you have downloaded the official ESXi 8.0 ISO file, you must flash it to a bootable USB drive. Using Rufus (Windows)