How to Install Ubuntu on ESXi | A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re using VMware vSphere ESXi for a virtual solution, you can also put a Linux system like Ubuntu on it. All you have to do is send the Ubuntu file to the server and then install it the same way you would on a physical computer. Doing this lets you use your computer resources better with Linux in your ESXi environment.

Some people might want to try out the Ubuntu system on ESXi servers. They do this to use the virtual network better. For instance, if there’s a free alternative to a service they’re using, they can use it with a Linux VM. Also, for places like schools or businesses, these solutions can save money on license fees.

How to Install Ubuntu on VMware ESXi 7.0 (7.0b) or Newer

VMware vSphere ESXi is a class 1 hypervisor that requires installation on a physical server. It lets you make many virtual computers inside the real one, which can save money on servers.

Plus, ESXi is a brilliant server helper. It works right on the central server so that you can make lots of virtual machines (VMs) on just one powerful machine. Thus, it saves a lot of money compared to using many different machines.

People really like using ESXi because it lets them run different PC systems and apps on one giant server. It also makes sure everything keeps working even if there’s a problem. So, it has excellent features that handle resources well and keep everything safe. It’s like having a fantastic tool to organize and set up virtual operating systems.

To learn more about ESXi, take a look at what VMware ESXi, vSphere, and vCenter are. We advise to install ESXi on a server. However, you can still use and test it in a testing environment with virtualization software. Actually, using it with virtualization programs does not make sense.

Before, we talked about putting Microsoft OSes on ESXi. Now, let’s talk about putting Ubuntu on it. Ubuntu is a popular Linux system. Just follow the actions in this article, and you’ll be able to have either the old or the newest version, Ubuntu 23.10, on your server quickly.

If you’d like to read our articles about VMware ESXi, here are some topics:

• How to Install ESXi on Your Computer
• How to Create a Virtual Computer in ESXi
• How to Install Windows 7 on Your ESXi
• How to Install Windows 10 on Your ESXi

Creating a New Ubuntu Virtual Machine in ESXi

Before you begin, inspect that you have everything you need. First, make sure you have an ESXi server set up and working. Then, get a copy of the ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. Also, make sure your Internet connection is good so that the installation goes smoothly.

To install Ubuntu on a virtual server, you can use Workstation Pro on your computer. If you have Windows 11 or 10, get ready for the steps.

Once you make sure you have both things we need, check that ESXi 7.0b is up and running on the VM. Then, follow these steps one by one to set up Ubuntu on it successfully.

NOTE: You can install Ubuntu on ESXi versions 8.0, 7.0, 6.7, 6.5, and 6.0. However, for the best and most reliable fit, it’s a good idea to look at VMware’s official information.

Step 1

Go to your VMware vSphere ESXi server using a web browser. Then, click the login button after you type in your username and secret password.

Step 2

Examine the left pane to create a new VM for Ubuntu. There, click on the Virtual Machines option and then click on Create/Register VM.

Step 3

In the New VM window, choose to make a new VM, and then click Next.

Step 4

Specify what kind and version of Ubuntu VM you want, and then click the Next button.

Step 5

Select Datastore1 and click Next.

Step 6

To add the Ubuntu ISO file to the VM, click Datastore ISO File from CD/DVD Drive 1.

Step 7

Once the Datastore Browser is open, select the ISO file and click the Select button.

Step 8

In VMware ESXi 6.5 or newer, enable the following in the virtual Ubuntu PC settings.

• Hardware Virtualization
• Performance Counters

Step 9

Assign your Ubuntu VM the right amount of RAM and hard drive space based on what your server can handle. Once you set it to 3 GB of RAM, click on the Next button.

Step 10

Check the summary information of the VM to be installed on ESXi one last time. As soon as you do this, click the Finish button to continue.

Step 11

To start the Ubuntu VM in the ESXi server, you need to click on the “Power on” button.

How to Install Ubuntu Operating System in ESXi

Now that the Ubuntu installation wizard has started, it will take a bit of time. The instructions below this heading guide you through each step of the installation. However, you can change the disk settings of the system based on what you need or want.

Step 1

Ubuntu installation starts from the ISO you added to the virtual PC.

Step 2

Choose the language you want for your Linux virtual computer. Then, click the ‘Install Ubuntu’ button to start putting the software on your server.

Step 3

While you were setting up your computer, I told you to make sure your internet is working. Now, the setup wizard gives you choices for getting updates from the internet while it’s putting files on your computer.

If you pick the first choice, it will look for and put in updates as it installs. Also, if you want to play music or videos in formats like MP3, you’ll need extra software. The second choice below adds the right software for playing those files.

Decide what you want, make those changes, and then click Continue.

Step 4

You can use all the space you give to the virtual machine. In this case, select the ‘Erase disk and install Ubuntu’ option and click Install Now.

Step 5

Please take a moment to review the changes you made. Then, hit the ‘Continue’ button to start the process of writing the changes to the hard disk.

Step 6

Please go ahead and pick the area where you live.

Step 7

The Ubuntu setup tool has many keyboard options. If you don’t see the one you want, you can ask for help in the community. Or you can use the standard English layout.

Step 8

To continue, type the name you want for your Ubuntu account in the box. After that, make a new password that follows the security rules.

Step 9

Please wait for the wizard to install the Ubuntu system on the VMware vSphere ESXi hypervisor. This means it’s copying files, setting up the system, and adding any needed updates. How long it takes depends on your computer and internet speed. Please don’t stop the process until it’s all done.

Step 10

After everything is OK, click the ‘Restart Now’ button to restart your Ubuntu VM.

Step 11

To restart the system, take out the installation disk and press Enter. If unable to remove the disk, close the VM, access its settings, and eject the disk.

Step 12

Check where you added the ISO file in the ESXi interface. From there, change the settings for CD/DVD Drive 1 to Host Device.

How to Install VMware Tools on ESXi Ubuntu VM

After installing the Linux OS, open the Terminal on your desktop and switch to Root Access. Then, follow the steps below to install VMware Tools.

NOTE: You can add drivers like a video card for a Linux system in ESXi. But if there’s no internet, try these steps later. Or, try installing it by hand. Also, in newer versions of Ubuntu, you can install VM Tools automatically during installation.

Step 1

To install VMware Tools on your vSphere Ubuntu guest OS, use the following command.

apt-get install open-vm-tools-desktop -yCopy

Step 2

After installing VMware Tools, restart the VM and do a Full Screen. If the display isn’t in full-screen mode, close the VM and move to the next step.

Step 3

Switch the video card setting of the Ubuntu machine to Auto-detect, and then click the Save button.

Step 4

Once you restart the Ubuntu machine, you can use full-screen mode.

Step 5

You can check the Ubuntu OS’s version in Settings / About.

Video

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ESXi

Conclusion

As a result, installing Ubuntu OS on VMware vSphere ESXi provides excellent flexibility. Additionally, it saves costs by using server resources efficiently.

If you want to explore alternative software, Ubuntu is ideal. It is also suitable for optimizing virtual networks and saving on licensing fees.

You can integrate Ubuntu into your ESXi environment by following the steps in this guide. As a result, you can successfully set up an Ubuntu virtual machine on your ESXi server. This way, you can leverage the power of this system in your virtualized infrastructure.