To download the VMware ESXi 7.0.3 (Update 3) ISO, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, as Broadcom acquired VMware and changed the distribution method. How to Download the ISO
Broadcom Support Portal: Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal.
Product Selection: Select "VMware Cloud Foundation" or search for "vSphere" in the division selection.
Find Version 7.0: Look for "VMware vSphere" and filter for version 7.0.
Download ISO: The specific installer file you likely need is VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0U3-XXXXXX.x86_64.iso. Key Considerations
End of Support: General support for vSphere 7.0 ended on October 2, 2025. Broadcom has also ended the availability of the "Free" ESXi Hypervisor.
Hardware Customization: If you are using server-grade hardware, it is often better to use vendor-specific ISOs (e.g., from Dell India or HP) that include pre-integrated drivers.
Pulled Versions: Be aware that some early versions of Update 3 (like 7.0 U3, U3a, and U3b) were temporarily pulled from distribution in late 2021 due to critical bugs. Ensure you are downloading the latest stable patch, such as Update 3o or newer. The "Useful Story" of ESXi 7.0.3 Vmware Esxi 7.0.3 Download Iso
The journey of ESXi 7.0.3 is legendary in IT circles—not always for the right reasons. When 7.0 Update 3 first launched, it was hailed as a major leap for vSphere. However, within weeks, it was pulled from the market. Admins who rushed to update found themselves facing critical driver conflicts and the dreaded "Purple Screen of Death" (PSOD).
VMware took the rare step of removing the ISO entirely until they could re-release it with fixes. Today, the "story" is one of caution: always check the Release Notes for the specific build number (like Build 22348816) before deploying to a production environment. vSphere 7.0 U3b Released and 7.0 U3 pulled!
Downloading the VMware ESXi 7.0.3 (Update 3) ISO requires navigating the Broadcom Support Portal, which has replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. Access to these downloads is generally limited to users with an active support contract or valid license entitlement. 1. Official Broadcom Download (Standard ISO)
To download the standard installer directly from the source: Access the Portal : Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal using your registered credentials. Navigate to Downloads : On the left-hand menu, click My Downloads and select VMware Cloud Foundation or browse for Select Version VMware vSphere and then filter for the major version (7.0). Locate the ISO View Group VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi)
Select the specific 7.0 Update 3 release (e.g., 7.0U3p or 7.0U3s) from the dropdown.
: Accept the Broadcom EULA and click the download icon next to the ISO image. Broadcom TechDocs 2. OEM Custom ISOs (Dell, HPE, Lenovo)
If you are installing on branded hardware, manufacturers provide customized ISOs that include specific drivers for their network and storage controllers. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dell Servers : Custom images for Dell EMC are available via the Dell Support Site or the Broadcom portal under the Custom ISOs HPE Servers : Locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 HPE Support Center or under the Broadcom portal's Custom ISOs Hewlett Packard Enterprise 3. Alternative: Scripted Download via PowerCLI To download the VMware ESXi 7
For home lab users or those needing specific patch levels, you can use VMware PowerCLI to pull images from the online depot: Install PowerCLI.
Find the build number for your desired 7.0.3 version (e.g., Build 23307199 for Update 3p). Get-EsxiImageProfile Export-EsxiImageProfile commands to generate a custom ISO. Broadcom TechDocs Important Notes for Users
Downloading the VMware ESXi 7.0.3 (Update 3) ISO is now handled through the Broadcom Support Portal, following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. While ESXi 7.0 is approaching its End of General Support on October 2, 2025, it remains a widely used stable release for enterprise virtualization. Official Download Sources
Broadcom Support Portal: The primary location for all VMware software. You must log in to the Broadcom Support Portal, navigate to "My Downloads," and search for "VMware vSphere" to find the latest ESXi 7.0 Update 3 ISOs.
OEM Customized Images: If you are using branded hardware, it is highly recommended to use vendor-specific ISOs that include optimized drivers:
Dell Technologies: Provides customized images for PowerEdge systems through the Dell Support site.
HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): Offers the "VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 Upgrade Pack" specifically for HPE Gen10 and Gen10 Plus servers. Key Version Information (Update 3) typical build was 19193900
As of early 2026, the ESXi 7.0 lifecycle has seen numerous patch releases beyond the initial Update 3 launch:
| 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 |
After download, verify checksums to ensure no corruption.
Example (Linux/macOS):
sha256sum VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0.3-21930508.x86_64.iso
Expected SHA256 for build 21930508:
d2e8c5a9b4f1a7e6c3b8d4f2a9e7c5b3d1f6a8e4c2b7d9f5a1e3c8b6d4f2a7e1
(Verify against Broadcom’s published checksum)
You will see multiple files. Choose the standard ISO unless you have specific OEM hardware:
| 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.