How to Backup/Restore Host Configuration in VMware ESXi

Written By Christian Castagna (Administrator)

Updated at October 21st, 2025

→ Applies to: VMware ESXi 6.5 and above


Backup VMware ESXi Host Configuration

Step 1. Connect to VMware ESXi CLI (via SSH)

Step 2. Synchronize the configuration

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/sync_config

 

Step 3. Backup the configuration

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/backup_config

 

Step 4. Download the generated bundle file, connecting to the URL provided (http://<URL>/downloads/123456/configBundle-<xx.xx.xx.xx>.tgz)


Restore VMware ESXi Host Configuration

Step 1. Rename in “configBundle.tgz” the bundle file previously downloaded

Step 2. Connect to VMware ESXi CLI (via SSH)

Step 3. Set the host in maintenance mode

vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter

 

Step 4. Upload the bundle file on VMware ESXi host (any available datastore)

Step 5. Reboot the host

Step 6. Restore VMware ESXi host configuration (replace <path> with the correct path to the file):

vim-cmd hostsvc/firmware/restore_config /<path>/configBundle.tgz

 

EXTERNAL RESOURCE
“How to back up and restore the ESXi host configuration (2042141)” (https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=2042141)