# How to Create VMware Infrastructure & Virtual Machines (ESXi + vCenter)

https://hostcarts.qa/knowledgebase/article/how-to-create-vmware-infrastructure-virtual-machines-esxi-vcenter

**01 ****Download VMware ESXi**

ESXi is the bare‑metal hypervisor that runs directly on your server hardware.

VMware Customer Connect → Products → ESXi

- Create a VMware account
- Download the latest ESXi ISO
- Prepare a bootable USB using Rufus or BalenaEtcher

**02 ****Install ESXi on Your Server**

Foundation Step

This installs the hypervisor that will host all your virtual machines.

Boot server → Select ESXi Installer → Follow on‑screen setup

- Boot from the ESXi USB installer
- Select target disk (prefer SSD)
- Set root password
- Complete installation and reboot

**03 ****Configure ESXi Management Network**

Networking must be configured so you can access ESXi remotely.

Direct Console UI → Configure Management Network

- Assign static IP
- Set subnet mask & gateway
- Configure DNS
- Test network connectivity

**04 ****Access ESXi Web Interface**

You manage ESXi through its web UI.

Open browser → https://<ESXi-IP>

- Log in using root credentials
- Verify hardware, storage, and network adapters
- Apply ESXi license (optional)

**05 ****Deploy VMware vCenter Server (VCSA)**

Recommended for Production

vCenter centralizes management, clustering, HA, DRS, and VM automation.

Run VCSA Installer → Install → Target ESXi Host

- Deploy VCSA OVA to ESXi
- Configure SSO domain
- Set vCenter IP & DNS
- Complete Stage 1 & Stage 2 setup

**06 ****Create Datastores for VM Storage**

Datastores hold VM disks, ISOs, and snapshots.

vCenter → Storage → New Datastore

- Use local SSD/NVMe or shared SAN/NAS
- Format with VMFS6
- Upload ISO images for OS installation

**07 ****Configure Virtual Networking**

VM networks define how VMs communicate internally and externally.

vCenter → Networking → Distributed Switch (recommended)

- Create vSwitch or vDS
- Add port groups (e.g., VM Network, Management, vMotion)
- Assign physical NIC uplinks

**08 ****Create a New Virtual Machine**

Now you can deploy your first VM.

vCenter → Hosts & Clusters → Right‑click → New Virtual Machine

- Choose VM name & compatibility
- Select datastore
- Assign CPU, RAM, and disk
- Mount OS ISO
- Power on the VM

**09 ****Install Guest OS**

Install Windows, Linux, or any supported OS inside the VM.

VM Console → Boot from ISO

- Complete OS installation
- Install VMware Tools for performance
- Configure network inside OS

**10 ****Enable Backups, Snapshots & HA**

Best Practice

Protect your VMs and ensure uptime.

- Configure snapshots (short‑term only)
- Set up vSphere HA & DRS (requires cluster)
- Integrate backup solutions like Veeam or Nakivo