Creating a Virtual Machine on ESXi Host with VMware Web Client

Introduction

A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer, enabling the simultaneous operation of multiple operating systems on a single physical machine through a hypervisor, which manages and allocates resources to each VM.

It essentially behaves like a complete computer, having its own virtual CPU, memory, storage, and operating system, just like a physical computer would.

Benefits

Virtual machines offer independence from each other and the physical host machine, flexibility through hypervisors allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously, portability enabling swift migration between hypervisors on different machines, and cost savings by reducing physical infrastructure needs, thereby cutting down on maintenance costs and electricity expenses.

VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a bare-metal hypervisor that directly installs onto physical servers, efficiently partitioning hardware to consolidate applications, cut costs, and provide robust virtualization capabilities for enterprise environments.

VMware Web Host Client

The VMware Web Host Client provides a user-friendly interface accessible via web browsers, allowing users to efficiently manage individual VMware ESXi hosts, including tasks such as creating virtual machines, configuring networking, monitoring system performance, and accessing logs.

Creating a Virtual machine

Here are some steps to create a Virtual Machine (VM) on your target VMware ESXi host using the VMware Host Client. This process will enable you to set up a virtualized environment for running guest operating systems.

Step 1. Access the VMWare Host Client

After configuring the IP on the VMware ESXi host, directly access it from a web browser on the same network using your PC.

1. Open a web browser
2. Then, enter the hostname or IP address of your ESXi host.
3. Afterward, enter the credentials of your VMware ESXi host
4. And finally, click "Login."
   

Step 2. Navigate to the Host

In the inventory pane on the left, navigate to the ESXi host where you want to create the VM.

Step 3. Create a New Virtual Machine with Wizard

1. Click "Host,"
2. Then click "Create/Register VM."
   

Step 4. Select creation type

1. Select "Create a new virtual machine,"
2. Then click "Next."
   

Step 5. Select a Name and Guest OS

1. Enter a name for your VM.
2. Select the compatibility
3. Guest OS family,
4. then and version from the dropdown menus.
5. Click "Next."
   

Step 6. Select Storage

1. Select the datastore where you want to store the VM,
2. Then click "Next."
   

Step 7. Customize Hardware

This stage enables you to adjust the virtual hardware settings for your VM. Here are the essential configurations:

1. Number of CPUs and cores: Allocate your preferred number of virtual CPUs and cores for the VM.
2. Memory: Specify the amount of RAM you wish to assign to the VM.
3. Hard disk: Opt for "Create a new virtual disk" and define the disk size and storage location.
4. Network Adapter: Choose the network to which you want the VM to connect.
    

Step 8. Configure the CD/DVD drive

You can attach an ISO image (browse to your prepared ISO) or keep it disconnected.

Select CD/DVD Drive

Datastore ISO file for choosing the guest operating system

then click next

Step 9. Review and Finish

Review the configuration summary on the final page, and if everything appears satisfactory, click "Finish" to create the VM.