Enable SSH Access in the Direct Console

If running commands remotely is disabled on an

ESXi

host, you cannot log in to the host by using a remote shell. You can enable running commands remotely from the direct console or from the

vSphere Client

At the direct console of the

ESXi

host, press F2 and provide credentials when prompted.

Scroll to

Troubleshooting Options

and press Enter.

Choose

Enable SSH

and press Enter.

On the left,

Enable SSH

changes to

Disable SSH

. On the right,

SSH is Disabled

changes to

SSH is Enabled

Press Esc until you return to the main direct console menu.

After you have enabled SSH, you can log in to the

ESXi Shell

remotely and run

ESXi Shell

commands.

VMware vSphere SDKs and Tools 8.0