Understanding and Customizing ESXi Password Requirements

VMware ESXi enforces strict password policies for access via the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI), ESXi Shell, SSH, and the VMware Host Client. These rules are designed to improve security by requiring strong, complex passwords.

Default ESXi Password Requirements:

  • Character Classes: Passwords must include at least three of the following four character classes:
    1. Lowercase letters
    2. Uppercase letters
    3. Numbers
    4. Special characters (e.g., underscore or dash)
  • Password Length: Must be at least seven characters long and no more than 40 characters.
  • Restrictions: Passwords cannot contain dictionary words or parts of them. Passwords cannot include the username or parts of the username.

Customizing ESXi Password Restrictions:

You can modify the password rules if the default password policy doesn't meet your organisation's needs. VMware allows you to configure custom password policies to match specific security or operational requirements. (Please consult your VMware TAM for a seamless password policy change)

For further details on changing the default password restrictions in ESXi, refer to the official VMware documentation: VMware vSphere 7.0 Install Guide.

Why This Matters:

  • Enhanced Security: Strong password policies prevent unauthorised access to ESXi hosts and VMs.
  • Flexibility: Organizations can tailor password complexity to balance security and usability.

By adjusting these settings, you ensure that your ESXi environment aligns with your company’s security guidelines while maintaining ease of use for administrators.

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