How to Install VMware Tools in an ESXi Guest VM

You should install VMware Tools right after the guest operating system, because it unlocks the performance and convenience features ESXi depends on. For example, copy-paste, time sync and graceful shutdown all need the tools running.

Install VMware Tools in an ESXi guest VM

VMware Tools is the guest-agent package that lets a virtual machine cooperate with the hypervisor. Without it a VM is a black box: slow video, random clocks, no graceful shutdown and ballooning memory that never works. Installing Tools is the standard last step of every VM build.

VMWARE TOOLSGUEST DRIVERSENTERPRISE LABtimer 20 MIN LAB
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Nurul Huda AUTHORInfrastructure & Cloud Architect · Verified 2026

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● VALID ON THE CONFIG BELOW

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# example values used while writing and testing this guide

GUEST SPECS

OSWindows Server 2016 / Ubuntu
Tools ISObundled with ESXi
HardwareVMXNET3, VMsvga2
Time synchost clock

HOST SIDE

HypervisorESXi 8.0U2
Mount actionManage guest, install Tools
StatusPowered on VM

RESULT

Shutdownsclean, no timeouts
Snapshotsquiesced
Reportingaccurate IP data

01constructionWhat VMware Tools Provides

  • Drivers for the VMware SVGA video and vmxnet3 network adapters (much faster than emulated hardware)
  • Time synchronization between guest and host
  • Graceful shutdown and restart commands from the host or vCenter
  • Heartbeat so the host knows the guest OS is actually running
  • Memory ballooning so the hypervisor can reclaim idle guest RAM
  • Copy/paste and mouse performance in the console

02downloadInstalling on a Windows Guest

Right-click the VM in the ESXi Host Client and choose Guest OS → Install VMware Tools. Windows mounts a virtual CD drive with the installer; run setup64.exe inside the guest, choose Typical, and reboot when finished.

03usbInstalling on a Linux Guest

Attach the Tools ISO the same way, then in the guest mount the CD and run the installer, or — the modern approach — install open-vm-tools directly from the distribution’s repository, for example sudo apt install open-vm-tools open-vm-tools-desktop on Ubuntu.

04terminalVerify It Worked

The VM’s Summary tab should show VMware Tools: Running, version current, and the guest will shut down cleanly when you issue a guest shutdown. For best performance also switch the VM’s network adapter to VMXNET 3 and the disk controller to PVSCSI when supported.

▶ COMPANION LAB WALKTHROUGH

Watch: How to Install VMware Tools in ESXi Guest

Because some steps are easier to copy from video, this companion walkthrough mirrors the lab above. Also, the chapter pills follow the same order as the steps.

01 What VMware Tools Provides02 Installing on a Windows Guest03 Installing on a Linux Guest04 Verify It Worked

Q&AquizFrequently Asked Questions About Installing VMware Tools

What breaks when VMware Tools is missing?

Time drifts, shutdowns hang, video stays slow, and memory ballooning stops working. In short, every part of the host-guest cooperation suffers.

Should Linux guests use open-vm-tools?

Yes. The open-vm-tools package comes from the distribution’s own repository, installs with one command, and receives updates automatically. Therefore it is the recommended choice on Ubuntu.

How do I confirm Tools is running?

Check the VM’s Summary tab for “Running, version current”. Alternatively, run the status command inside the guest.

Do I need to install it after every lab rebuild?

Yes, a fresh OS install needs fresh Tools. Since you snapshot the clean machine anyway, as described in the home lab guide, install Tools before the baseline snapshot.

EXTopen_in_newExternal Resources

These official guides go deeper on installing VMware Tools.

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▶ UP NEXT IN THE ESXI INSTALL TRACK

Create Virtual Machines in ESXi

Tools in place, you are ready to provision new VMs. Then the wizard walkthrough shows every hardware choice.

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