Applies to: Esxi 6.0 and above

Backing up ESXi host configuration

Step 1: Connect to ESXCLi trough SSH

Step 2: Synchronize the configuration 

  •  Synchronize the configuration changed with persistent storage

    vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/sync_config

Step 3:  Backup the configuration of the host

  • vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config


The output for this should generate a bundle that can be download ( http://*/downloads/123456/configBundle-xx.xx.xx.xx.tgz)


Step 4: Download Bundle

  • Use the Bundle URL and modify it as follows to open the .tgz download from a web browser

    http://[Host IP or FQDN]/downloads/123456/configBundle-xx.xx.xx.xx.tgz


  • The backup file will be in the /downloads directory (default to browser or choose to download to a specific directory) as configBundle-HostFQDN.tgz



Restoring ESXi host configuration 

Downtime is required as host must be rebooted


Step 1: Rename the config bundle file 

  • The configBundle-HostFQDN.tgz should be renamed as configBundle.tgz before initiating the restore procss

Step 2: Connect to ESXCLi trough SSH

Step 3: Set the Host in maintenance mode 

  • vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter


Step 4: On an available Datastore upload the Bundle file

  • upload the backup configuration file to the ESXi host on an available datastore.

Step 5: Reboot the host.

  •  This step is required, otherwise the restore workflow might not finish completely


Step 6: Restore host configuration 

  • Once the ESXi has rebooted, run this command to restore the ESXi hosts configuration
    vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/restore_config /<backup_location>/configBundle.tgz

    replace <backup_location> with the path to the configBundle.tgz

    Vmware resources: