To download the HPE Customized ISO for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, which has replaced the previous VMware Customer Connect site. Step-by-Step Download Guide
Access the Portal: Go to the Broadcom Support Portal and Log In with your registered credentials. Navigate to Downloads:
Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu next to your username. Click My Downloads on the left-hand navigation bar.
Search for VMware vSphere in the top-right search bar and select it from the results.
Choose Your Entitlement: Select the version you are licensed for (e.g., VMware vSphere – Enterprise).
Filter for ESXi 7.0: Select the 7.0 major version from the list. Locate Custom ISOs: Click the Custom ISOs tab. Look for the HPE Customized Install CD for ESXi 7.0U3.
Check for the most recent build, such as the April 2023 release (VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-21424296-HPE-703.0.0.11.3.0.5-Apr2023.iso) or later.
Download: Click the download link after agreeing to any required EULAs. Key Considerations for HPE Servers VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers
HPE Customized ISO image for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 is the recommended installation media for HPE ProLiant, Synergy, and Superdome Flex servers. It includes specialized drivers and management software (like Agentless Management Service and iLO drivers) that are not present in the generic VMware image. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Latest Release Information (as of April 2026) Current Version:
The latest customized image for standard ProLiant servers is dated February 2025 Synergy Servers: A specialized "HPE Synergy only" image was released in November 2024 Archived Gen9 Support:
The last custom image to support Gen9 servers was released in (version 703.0.0.10.9.1-5). Where to Download Downloads have largely migrated to the Broadcom Support Portal following their acquisition of VMware. Broadcom support portal Broadcom Support Portal: Navigate to My Downloads VMware vSphere Select your licensed version (e.g., vSphere Enterprise Plus from the release dropdown. Switch to the Custom ISOs tab to find the HPE-specific downloads. HPE Support Center: HPE provides a landing page for VMware ESXi Images
which contains links to the Broadcom portal and specific documentation for different hardware families.
Direct driver and "Upgrade Pack" files are available via the HPE Support Center software details Included Customizations
The HPE image prepopulates the following components for better hardware integration: Management Tools: vmware esxi 7.0 update 3 hpe customized iso image download
HPE iLO Driver, Agentless Management Service (AMS), and HPONCFG utility. Storage Utilities: SSACLI (Smart Storage Administrator) for RAID management.
HPE-Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT) to facilitate firmware and driver updates through the iLO Repository.
Specific IOVP-certified drivers for newer network and storage controllers found in Gen10 and Gen11 servers. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Important Compatibility Notes VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers
To download the VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 HPE Customized ISO, you must now use the Broadcom Support Portal, which replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. This customized image is essential for HPE ProLiant, Synergy, and Superdome Flex servers because it includes integrated drivers for network and storage controllers that are not present in the generic VMware image. Download Instructions
Because Broadcom's architecture prevents direct deep-linking to specific files, you must follow these manual steps to locate the image:
Access the Portal: Open the Broadcom Support portal and log in with your registered account.
Navigate to Downloads: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown next to your username, then click My Downloads on the left menu.
Search for vSphere: Use the search bar to find VMware vSphere and select the version you are entitled to (e.g., VMware vSphere Enterprise). Filter for Custom ISOs: Select the major version 7.0 from the dropdown.
Click the Custom ISOs tab (or OEM Addons if you only need the driver bundle).
Select the HPE Image: Locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 (often listed by specific release dates like Feb 2025 or Nov 2024 for Synergy) and click the download icon. Key Components Included
The HPE Customized Image (e.g., version 703.0.0.10.9.1) includes specialized management tools and drivers to ensure hardware stability: HPE iLO Drivers: For integrated lights-out management.
HPE Agentless Management Service (AMS): For health monitoring and Active Health System support.
HPE-Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT): Enables firmware and driver updates through the iLO repository. To download the HPE Customized ISO for VMware ESXi 7
SSACLI Utility: For managing storage controllers directly from the ESXi shell. Version & Compatibility Notes
Synergy Servers: These often require a specific "HPE Synergy Only" version of the ISO; verify your hardware against the HPE VMware Support and Certification Matrix before installing.
Upgrade Packs: If you are already running an older version of ESXi 7.0, you may prefer the VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 Upgrade Pack, which uses HPE Smart Update Manager (SUM) to deploy updates without a full reinstall.
Legacy Hardware: Certain older servers, like ProLiant Gen9, may require archived versions of the 7.0 U3 custom image (such as the July 2022 release). VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE
To download the HPE Customized ISO for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 , you must now Broadcom Support Portal
, as it has replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Download Instructions
Because of Broadcom’s portal architecture, direct download links are no longer available. Follow these steps to find the image: Hewlett Packard Enterprise : Access the Broadcom Support Portal and log in with your registered credentials. Select Product : From the menu, navigate to My Downloads and search for VMware vSphere Choose Version
: Select your specific entitlement (e.g., vSphere Enterprise Plus) and choose version Locate Custom ISOs : Click on the Custom ISOs Filter for HPE
: Use the search box to find "HPE" or "Hewlett Packard Enterprise". : Locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3
(e.g., version 703.0.0.10.9.1 or similar) and click the download icon. Broadcom support portal Quick Reference for Specific Variants VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE
ESXi 7.0 U3—HPE Synergy only Nov 2024. From the Custom ISOs tab, locate and select the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 Install CD. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Yes, but it is not recommended. You can download the HPE offline bundle and run:
esxcli software vib install -d /path/to/hpe-offline-bundle.zip
However, driver conflicts may occur. A clean install with the HPE ISO is safer. Q1: Can I convert a vanilla ESXi 7
Solution: HPE throttles free downloads. Try between 00:00 – 06:00 UTC. Alternatively, use a download manager.
Before you rush to download the image, ensure you have the following:
| Prerequisite | Details | |---------------|---------| | HPE Support Account | Free to register, but required for downloads. | | Valid Support Contract | Some older servers (e.g., Gen8) may not be supported on ESXi 7.0 U3. Check HPE’s Virtualization Compatibility Matrix. | | Compatible HPE Server | Gen10, Gen10 Plus, or newer. Gen9 has limited support; Gen8 is not supported at all for ESXi 7.x. | | ISO Burning/Extraction Tool | Rufus, Ventoy, or iLO virtual media support. | | Internet Connection | The download size is approximately 600-700 MB. |
⚠️ Critical Note: ESXi 7.0 Update 3 removed support for many legacy CPUs (e.g., Nehalem, Westmere). Ensure your HPE server’s processor is at least Intel Xeon 5600 series or newer (but ideally E5-2600 v3+).
Downloading the VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 HPE Customized ISO image is not just a bureaucratic step—it is a foundational best practice for stability, performance, and manageability. By following the steps in this guide, you ensure that your HPE ProLiant or Synergy servers receive the exact drivers and agents needed to integrate seamlessly with vSphere.
Remember: Always verify compatibility, use official HPE channels, and store the ISO safely for future redeployments.
Final checklist before deployment:
Updated as of September 2025 – For the latest ESXi 7.0 U3 patches, always refer to HPE Support Center.
Next Steps: If you found this article helpful, read our companion guide: "How to Install VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 HPE Customized Image via iLO 5 Virtual Media."
Here’s a professional social media and forum post tailored for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 HPE customized ISO download. You can use it on LinkedIn, Reddit (r/vmware, r/homelab), or your internal IT team channels.
If you already have an HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) ISO (version 2021.10.0 or later), the ESXi 7.0 U3 customized image is often included in the ./packages folder. You can extract it directly without an internet download.
VMware ESXi 7.0If you cannot find the ISO directly, use the HPE VMware Image Depot: