By Broadcom
VMware ESXi is a specialized tool that lets you run several different operating systems on a single physical computer. It acts as a thin layer that manages your hardware so you can create and use multiple virtual machines easily.
VMware ESXi is like a foundation for your computer hardware. If you have a powerful PC or an old server and you want it to do more than just one job, this is the solution. It replaces the standard operating system to give you a clean slate. For a normal person, this is the best way to build a home lab or run a personal media server while keeping your work and play environments totally separate. It takes some time to set up, but the control it gives you over your hardware is impressive.
The standout feature is how it handles resources. It takes your physical parts, like your RAM and processor, and lets you assign specific amounts to different virtual computers. This prevents one program from hogging all the power. The interface is also surprisingly clean for such a powerful tool. Once you log in through your browser, you get a clear view of how much power you are using and can start or stop your virtual machines with a single click.
If you are looking to learn about servers or want to run multiple systems on one machine, VMware ESXi is the gold standard. It is not for the casual user who just wants to run a single app, but for anyone wanting to build a serious home lab or server, it is worth the effort to set up. Just make sure your hardware is compatible before you start.
VMware ESXi is a unique kind of software called a hypervisor. Instead of being an app you run inside Windows, it is a small, focused operating system that you install directly onto your computer hardware. Once it is there, it lets you carve up your computer into several smaller virtual ones. This means you can have a Windows server, a Linux test machine, and a private cloud all running at the same time on the same box.
Why people use it: It is built to be extremely efficient. Since it does not have a heavy desktop interface of its own, it saves almost all of your computer's power for the virtual machines you create. You manage the whole system through a simple web dashboard from any other device on your network. It is a great way to save space and electricity if you need to run multiple servers or test different software environments without buying more hardware.
| Operating System | None (Installs directly on hardware) |
|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit x86 processor with at least 2 cores |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM minimum (12 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 32 GB of persistent storage (HDD, SSD, or NVMe) |
| Graphics | Not applicable |
| Other | Gigabit or faster Ethernet controller |