When I first started doing patching of ESXI servers, I found it quite difficult to understand at first. Here’s my quick guide to ESXI Patching:

 

1. The quickest way to check for patches is at the cluster level (this will do all hosts at once). Click the cluster name and then select Updates, then Baselines and click Check Compliance.

 

 

2. You should be able to see in the recent tasks pane when this this has completed

 

 

3. You can also do the same thing from each ESXI host. Click the server name and then select Updates, then Baselines and click Check Compliance.

 

 

4. Again you can check on the status via the recent tasks pane.

 

 

5. Once complete, You need to put the server into maintenance mode. If you have DRS enabled on your cluster, when the server is entered into maintenance mode all the VMs will automatically migrate off (dependant on settings), if not you will need to migrate them manually. Right click the ESXI host, select Maintenance Mode and then Enter Maintenance Mode. 

 

 

6. Scroll down and select the checkboxes next to any “patch” content baselines, then click Remediate

 

 

7. To see the patches to be installed expand where it says install xx updates

 

 

8. Scroll down and expand Remediation settings, if you have the option, select the checkbox next to Quick Boot. This allows the server to just restart the ESXI services rather than fully reboot, saving you time. Once ready click Remediate.

 

 

9. Again you can check on the progress via the recent tasks pane

 

 

10. Once completed you should see 0 patches, under the compliance frame of the Updates tab

 

 

10. Remove the host from Maintenance mode by right clicking the server, selecting Maintenance Mode and then Exit Maintenance Mode. Don’t forget to move any VMs back if your cluster is not using DRS.

 

 

11. Proceed with each host until all are done.