Enabling and access ESXi Shell

Enabling ESXi Shell access using the vSphere Client

1. Log in to a vCenter Server system using the vSphere Client.
2. Select the host in the Inventory panel.
3. Click the Configuration tab and click Security Profile.
4. In the Services section, click Properties.
5. Select ESXi Shell from this list:
   ESXi Shell
SSH
Direct Console UI
6. Click Options and select Start and stop manually.
   Note: When you select Start and stop manually, the service does not start when you reboot the host. If you want the service to start when you reboot the host, select Start and stop with host.
7. Click Start to enable the service.
8. Click OK.

Enabling ESXi Shell access using the Direct Console User Interface

Use the direct console user interface to enable the ESXi Shell:

1. From the Direct Console User Interface, press F2 to access the System Customization menu.
2. Select Troubleshooting Options and press Enter.
3. From the Troubleshooting Mode Options menu, select Enable ESXi Shell.
   Enable ESXi Shell
Enable SSH
4. Press Enter to enable the service.

Accessing the remote ESXi Shell

1. Open an SSH client.
2. Specify the IP address or domain name of the ESXi host.
   Notes:
   
   • Steps may vary depending on the SSH client you are using. For more information, consult the client documentation and support.
   • By default, SSH works on TCP port 22.
3. Provide credentials when prompted.