Downloading the VMware ESXi 8.0 ISO (vSphere Hypervisor) has undergone significant changes following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. While the free version was briefly discontinued, it has been reintroduced as ESXi 8.0 Update 3e. Where to Download the ISO

For hardware-specific installations, you may need a customized ISO containing specific drivers:

. Following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, the free "entry-level" hypervisor version is still available for non-production use and evaluation. Broadcom TechDocs Key Features of VMware ESXi 8.0

Are you planning to install this on standard server hardware or a custom homelab setup?

Standard ISO: The base image provided by VMware, suitable for most generic white-box builds.

Step 3: Select the ESXi 8.0 ISO File

Navigate to Downloads: Click on "Software" and then select "VMware Cloud Foundation". Locate the Hypervisor:

Accept Terms: You must click the Terms and Conditions link and agree before the download button becomes active. OEM-Specific ISOs

. You must register for a free account if you don't have one. Navigate to the "My Downloads" section and look for a notification box titled "Free Software Downloads available HERE" Search for "VMware vSphere Hypervisor" and select the 8.0 release (specifically or newer for the free version).