Before you download the ESXi 6.5 ISO file, ensure that your server meets the minimum system requirements:
Minimum 1 GB storage device (USB, SD card, or local HDD/SSD) for hypervisor boot, though 8 GB or larger is recommended for scratch partitions. Post-Download Installation Steps vmware esxi 6.5 download iso
Since ESXi 6.5 is no longer receiving security patches, do expose the management interface (HTTPS/SSH) directly to the internet or untrusted networks. Use this version only in isolated labs, air-gapped environments, or for legacy hardware support. Before you download the ESXi 6