VMware vSphere 7 vs vSphere 8 FAQ: Features, Hardware Compatibility, and ESXi Requirements
- server-parts.eu server-parts.eu
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
With the end of support for vSphere 7 coming soon, we’ve received a lot of questions from our clients about what this means and what to do next. So we decided to gather all the frequently asked questions into one clear, easy-to-navigate post — giving you everything you need in one place.
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Whether you’re planning to upgrade, curious about hardware requirements, or just want to understand the difference between versions, this FAQ has got you covered.
Can I upgrade VMware vSphere 7 to vSphere 8?
Yes, you can upgrade from vSphere 7 to vSphere 8, but you should first check hardware compatibility, firmware versions, and whether your current environment supports the new features. Always back up your vCenter and configuration settings before starting.
Is VMware vSphere 7 end of life 2025?
vSphere 7 will reach end of general support on April 2, 2025, and end of technical guidance on April 2, 2027. After April 2025, VMware will no longer provide updates, patches, or support unless you have extended services.
Why upgrade to VMware vSphere 8?
vSphere 8 includes improved performance, better DPU support, enhanced lifecycle management, integrated vSphere+ capabilities, and advanced security. It's optimized for modern workloads and future-ready infrastructures.
Can I downgrade VMWare vSphere 8 to vSphere 7?
No. There’s no supported downgrade path from vSphere 8 to vSphere 7. A downgrade would require a full reinstall, which can result in data loss if not
planned carefully.
How long will VMWare ESXi 8 be supported?
As of now, general support for ESXi 8 is expected to continue until 2030. Always verify with VMware’s product lifecycle matrix to get the most accurate date.
Where is VMware Explore 2025?
VMware hasn’t officially announced all 2025 dates and locations yet, but the annual events typically happen in the US and Europe. Watch VMware’s official events page for updates.
Is VMware killing 56 products?
Yes, VMware published a list in 2024 of over 50 products being discontinued or moved into end-of-life. This includes some legacy tools and products no longer aligned with their cloud strategy.
What replaces VMware vSphere?
There’s no direct “replacement” for vSphere. Instead, VMware is extending its functionality with vSphere+, a subscription-based model offering hybrid cloud integration and centralized management for modern environments.
What is new in VMware vSphere 8 Update 3?
Update 3 adds support for the latest CPUs, expands DPU offloading features, improves vSAN Express Storage Architecture, and strengthens compliance and lifecycle tools. It also enhances Kubernetes support and cloud console integration.
What happens when an VMware ESXi 7 license expires?
If your ESXi 7 license expires, the host will continue to run, but you won’t be able to power on new VMs or make config changes until it’s re-licensed. Existing workloads will keep running without interruption.
What is the CPU limit for VMware vSphere 7 Essentials?
The CPU limit for vSphere 7 Essentials is two physical CPUs per host, and the bundle supports up to three hosts managed by vCenter Essentials.
What does VMware ESXi stand for?
ESXi stands for Elastic Sky X Integrated. It’s VMware’s hypervisor used to run virtual machines directly on server hardware without an underlying operating system.
Can VMware vCenter 8 manage vSphere 7?
Yes, vCenter 8 can manage ESXi 7 hosts, but not earlier than version 7.0. Make sure to review compatibility in VMware's interoperability matrix.
Can we upgrade VMware ESXi 6.5 to 8.0 directly?
No, direct upgrades from 6.5 to 8.0 are not supported. You must first upgrade to 7.0, then proceed to 8.0. This helps prevent compatibility issues and upgrade failures.
Does the VMware vSphere 8 Standard include vCenter?
No. vSphere and vCenter are licensed separately. vSphere 8 Standard includes hypervisor functionality but not centralized management through vCenter — you need to buy that separately.
What is new in VMware vSphere 8 Update 2?
Update 2 added expanded support for the latest CPUs and GPUs, simplified lifecycle operations, and new DPU-based acceleration enhancements. It also brought in vSphere Configuration Profiles and security improvements.
Can I upgrade from VMware ESXi 6.7 to 8?
Yes, this upgrade is supported. Check that your hardware meets ESXi 8 requirements and follow VMware’s documented upgrade steps for minimal risk.
How do I add users to VMware vSphere 8?
You can add users through the vSphere Client (HTML5). Navigate to Administration → Single Sign-On → Users and Groups, and assign roles using the Roles section in vCenter.
What are the hardware requirements for VMware vCenter 8?
vCenter 8 requires a minimum of:
16 vCPUs
48 GB of RAM
530 GB of disk spaceAlways consult VMware’s Configuration Maximums Guide and Compatibility Guide for supported CPUs and storage controllers.
What is the difference between VMware vSphere 7 and vSphere 8?
vSphere 8 introduces:
Support for DPUs and SmartNICs
vSphere+ integration
vSAN Express Storage Architecture improvements
Lifecycle Management enhancementsIt’s designed to support hybrid cloud and modern workloads better than vSphere 7.
Can I run VMware vCenter 8 with ESXi 7?
Yes. vCenter 8 is backward compatible with ESXi 7. This allows for a staged migration — upgrade vCenter first, then update hosts later.
What are the hardware requirements for VMware?
Basic ESXi 8 requires:
2 cores minimum (64-bit x86)
8 GB RAM minimum
32 GB boot diskExact needs depend on the number of VMs and workloads.
Can VMware ESXi work without VMware vCenter?
Yes. ESXi is a standalone hypervisor and can be managed directly through its web interface. However, without vCenter, you lose features like DRS, HA, and centralized monitoring.
Can I add VMware ESXi 6.5 to VMware vCenter 8?
No. vCenter 8 does not support managing ESXi 6.5. The host must be upgraded to at least 7.0.
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Sources
VMware Product Lifecycle Matrix
VMware vSphere 8 Release Notes
https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/8.0/rn/vsphere-80-release-notes.html
VMware Compatibility Guide
https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php
VMware Configuration Maximums Guide
VMware Docs and Knowledge Base Articles
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