Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install VMware vCenter Server 8.0

📝 Introduction:

VMware vCenter Server 8.0 is a central management platform for VMware vSphere environments, providing essential services like centralized control, performance monitoring, and automation. Whether you're setting up a lab or preparing for production deployment, this guide will walk you through the process of installing vCenter Server 8.0 using the GUI-based installer.

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✅ Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure the following:

• System Requirements:

  • At least 2 CPUs, 12–16 GB RAM (based on deployment size)

  • 250+ GB disk space

• Supported OS/Hypervisor:

  • ESXi 7.0 or later

• DNS Configuration:

  • A valid FQDN (e.g., vcenter.lab.local)

  • Forward and reverse DNS entries configured

• Static IP Address

• Download:

  • vCenter Server ISO (e.g., VMware-VCSA-all-8.0.0-xxxxxx.iso)

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🖥️ Step 1: Mount the vCenter ISO

On a Windows or macOS machine:

• Mount the ISO file.

• Navigate to the vcsa-ui-installer directory.

  • Windows: vcsa-ui-installer\win32

  • macOS: vcsa-ui-installer\mac

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🧑‍💻 Step 2: Launch the Installer

• Double-click installer.exe (or installer on mac).

• Click "Install" to begin a new vCenter deployment.

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🧭 Step 3: Stage 1 – Deploy the vCenter Server Appliance

1. Introduction

• Click Next.

2. Accept License Agreement

• Accept and click Next.

3. Select Deployment Type

• Choose Embedded Platform Services Controller.

• Click Next.

4. ESXi Host Details

• Enter:

  • ESXi hostname/IP

  • Credentials

• Click Next (accept the certificate if prompted).

5. VM Settings

• Set:

  • VM name

  • Root password for vCenter

6. Deployment Size

• Choose size (Tiny, Small, etc.) based on your environment.

• Select a datastore.

7. Configure Network Settings

• Select a network port group

• Provide static IP, FQDN, subnet, gateway, DNS

8. Ready to Complete – Stage 1

• Review and click Finish.

• This deploys the vCenter VM (takes ~15–20 minutes).

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🧪 Step 4: Stage 2 – Set Up the vCenter Server

Once Stage 1 completes, click Continue.

1. Introduction

• Click Next.

2. Time Sync and SSH

• Choose NTP or ESXi host sync.

• Optionally enable SSH.

3. Set up SSO Domain

• Example: vsphere.local

• Set SSO admin password.

4. Join VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program (optional)

5. Ready to Complete – Stage 2

• Review and click Finish.

• The configuration takes a few minutes.

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🌐 Step 5: Access vCenter Server

Once installation is complete, access vCenter via:

shellCopyEdithttps://<FQDN-or-IP>/ui

• Login with SSO credentials (e.g., administrator@vsphere.local).

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🧰 Optional Post-Install Tasks

• Configure backup schedules

• Add licenses

• Add ESXi hosts

• Create datacenters and clusters

• Set up vSphere HA/DRS

💬 Conclusion

vCenter Server 8.0 is packed with new features and better scalability, making it ideal for modern datacenters. With this guide, you now have a clear path to deploying it in your environment. Follow along, and you'll have a functional vCenter in no time!