Introduction to vSphere Hypervisor
VMware vSphere Hypervisor Overview
Discover an easy-to-use, production-ready hypervisor that can help you start saving on IT costs today.
Try the Full vSphere for Free
vSphere takes virtualization to the next level. Discover better insights and improved performance and availability.
What vSphere Hypervisor Does
Built-in VM Management
Create and provision your virtual machines in minutes.
Advanced Memory Resourcing
Overcommit memory resources and perform page sharing and compression to optimize performance.
Efficient Storage Allocation
Allocate your storage resources beyond the actual capacity of the physical storage.
Driver Hardening
Ensure optimal performance and high reliability through partnerships with independent hardware vendors.
Spotlight
vSphere Hypervisor - Installation & Configuration
Install and Configure a vSphere Host
vSphere Blog
Read the official VMware vSphere blog for technical tips, best practices, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to helpful resources.
Training & Certification
Take advantage of industry-leading training and certification to help you meet your objectives.
Get More with vSphere Kits
All-in-one-solution bundles include VMware vSphere and VMware vCenter Server licenses.
Tech Specs
Tech Specs
CPU
- Technical minimum: single socket with two cores.
- Recommended minimum: dual socket with four or more cores per CPU
Memory
- Technical minimum: 4 GB
- Recommended minimum: 8 GB or more
Network
- Technical minimum: single 1 GbE network adapter
- Recommended minimum: dual 1 GbE network adapters
Local Storage (SATA/SAS)
- Technical minimum: Single 4 GB drive
- Recommended minimum: redundant drives
Shared Storage
- NFS, iSCSI or Fibre Channel for virtual machine storage
Specifications
- Number of cores per physical CPU: No limit
- Number of physical CPUs per host: No limit
- Number of logical CPUs per host: 480
- Maximum vCPUs per virtual machine: 8
- Operating system support: Industry leader of supported operating systems. See a complete list of supported versions. Note: Refer to the release notes and configuration maximums guide for latest specifications.
Installation
Easily install vSphere Hypervisor on your own or with some guided help. If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself approach, just download the installer, accept the end-user license agreement, and select which local drive you want to install it on.
Configuration
Once you’ve installed or imported your virtual machines, you’ll need to configure them. Refer to the installation and configuration video within resources to get started.
- Need support? You can now purchase Per Incident Support for VMware vSphere Hypervisor.
Creating Virtual Machines
Once you’ve installed vSphere Hypervisor, there are three ways to create virtual machines:
- Use VMware vCenter Converter to transfer existing servers into virtual machines or import existing VMware and third-party virtual machine images.
- Create virtual machines from scratch by specifying the number of CPUs, the amount of memory, and the disks and network interfaces you need. Then load the operating system from ISO images or a boot disk.
- Import a virtual appliance. There are hundreds to choose from on the VMware Solution Exchange.
Upgrading to VMware vSphere
Moving up to a paid vSphere lets you further optimize your IT infrastructure. You'll be able to:
- Pool computing and storage resources across multiple physical hosts.
- Have centralized management of multiple hosts through VMware vCenter Server.
- Deliver improved service levels and operational efficiency.
- Perform live migration of virtual machines.
- Take advantage of automatic load balancing, business continuity, and advanced backup and restore capabilities for your virtual machines.