How to create custom ESXi image
Sergey Sypalo https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeysypalo Sypalo.com
2020-10-10
In this article, I will show you how to create a custom esxi image with PowerShell
You will need 30 minutes to follow these steps:
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Go to VMWare downloads and download your vendor-specific image 
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Swtich to Drivers tab and download required/additional/updated drivers if needed 
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Go to VMWare patches and download latest ESXi build 
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Go to your server's vendor drivers download page, in my case Cisco drivers and download latest drivers for your ESXi version 
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Go to your vCenter AutoDeploy menu section, click the Import link on the top right, locate a vendor-customized image and provide a name 
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Repeat the previous step and import the latest ESXi build and drivers 
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Add custom depot 
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Click on the link "New image profile" and provide name and details.
I usually use the following naming convention: ESXi-[major_version].[minor_version]-[build]-[standard/no-tools]. The last part depends on whenever I include VMTools or no.
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Select only the latest packages as by default wizard shows you a list with all available vibs from all depots 
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Custom ESXi image has been created and now you can use it in AutoDeploy or export to zip or ISO by clicking the Export button 
Or you can use the following PowerShell script to do this for you
That's all, we built an ESXi image we need with specified drivers