The base 7.0.3 ISO may be months or years old. After installing, you must patch it. To get a more recent ISO containing all patches up to a certain date:
Easier method: Download the base 7.0.3 ISO above, then after installation, run:
esxcli software profile update -p ESXi-7.0U3o-standard \ -d https://hostupdate.vmware.com/software/VUM/PRODUCTION/main/vmw-depot-index.xml(replace
7.0U3owith latest patch name)
You will see multiple files. Choose the standard ISO unless you have specific OEM hardware: Vmware Esxi 7.0.3 Download Iso
| File Name | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0.3-xxxxxx.x86_64.iso | Standard ISO (choose this for most servers/workstations) |
| VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-xxxxxx-depot.zip | For CLI upgrades / vCenter management |
| VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0.3.xxxxxx.x86_64-Dell_...iso | Dell custom image |
| VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0.3.xxxxxx.x86_64-HPE_...iso | HPE custom image |
The build number (xxxxxx) will change over time. At final 7.0.3 release, typical build was 19193900; later patch builds are fine.
| Method | Feasibility | Notes |
|--------|-------------|-------|
| Trial ISO | ✅ Yes | 60-day evaluation, requires free registration |
| Community mirrors | ❌ Not recommended | Unofficial — security risk, potentially tampered files |
| VMUG Advantage | ✅ Yes | Paid subscription ($210/yr) — includes licensed ISOs |
| Existing vCenter | ✅ Yes | Download from vCenter Update Manager → ESXi Images tab | The base 7
If using Dell, HPE, Lenovo, or Cisco servers, download vendor-specific ESXi 7.0.3 images from their support sites. These include optimized drivers (e.g., dell-emc-customized-esxi-7.0.3.iso).
VMware ESXi 7.0.3 is a major release within the vSphere 7.0 product line. It includes security fixes, bug resolutions, and hardware compatibility updates. The ISO file is required for bare-metal installations or interactive upgrades.
Note: As of October 2022, VMware deprecated the free legacy “My VMware” product download system in favor of the Broadcom Support Portal. Easier method: Download the base 7
The VMware ESXi 7.0.3 download ISO is surprisingly small (roughly 380 MB to 450 MB). However, you cannot simply "right-click save" from a public mirror. VMware requires a user account. Here is what you need before you start:
If you are seeing a 700 MB+ ISO, you likely downloaded the vCenter Server installer or the Full DVD ISO containing tools. The core ESXi image is small.
Note: VMware sometimes hides the exact "7.0.3" label behind the main "7.0" entry. Look for "Update 3" in the version string.