30 - Windows Server 2012 How to Upload ISO File to VMware ESXi and Create New OS (Video in Khmer)

Hello my friend! Today I show you step-by-step how to Upload ISO File to VMware ESXi Datastore and Create New Virtual Machine OS inside VMware ESXi Host Client! Uploading ISO installer files (like Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10, or Linux) to ESXi datastore is required before installing operating system on virtual machine! Follow steps below with video tutorial in Khmer! Let's get started!

💡 Tip: Always create a dedicated folder named ISO or ISO_Images inside ESXi Datastore Browser to keep your ISO installer files clean and organized!

Watch Video Tutorial (Khmer)

Watch full step-by-step video tutorial below to see complete process in Khmer:

Step 1: Upload ISO File to ESXi Datastore Browser

1. Open Web Browser > log in to VMware ESXi Host Client (https://your-esxi-ip).
2. In left panel, click Storage > select your Datastore (example: datastore1).
3. Click Datastore browser button at top toolbar.
4. Click Create directory > name folder ISO > click Create directory.
5. Click ISO folder > click Upload button.
6. Select ISO file on computer (example: Windows_Server_2012_R2.iso) > click Open.
7. Wait until upload progress bar reaches 100%!

💡 Tip: Do not refresh or close browser tab while ISO file is uploading to ESXi Datastore!

Step 2: Create New Virtual Machine (VM)

1. Click Virtual Machines in left panel > click Create / Register VM button.
2. Select Create a new virtual machine > click Next.
3. Type VM Name (example: WinServer2012_DC01).
4. Select Guest OS family: Windows | Guest OS version: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64-bit) > click Next.
5. Select target Datastore > click Next.
6. Customize Hardware settings:
   • CPU: 2
   • Memory: 4 GB
   • Hard Disk: 60 GB (Select Thin provisioned under Disk Provisioning!)
7. Under CD/DVD Drive 1:
   • Change drop-down to Datastore ISO file
   • Click Browse > select uploaded ISO file inside ISO folder > click Select
   • Check box Connect at power on
8. Click Next > click Finish.

💡 Tip: Choosing "Thin provisioned" disk allocation only consumes physical storage space on Datastore as data is written, saving disk space!

Step 3: Power On VM & Install Operating System

1. Click newly created Virtual Machine > click Power on button.
2. Click VM console window screen to open Console.
3. Windows Setup installer boots automatically from mounted ISO file!
4. Follow standard Windows installation wizard steps to complete OS setup!

💡 Tip: After OS installation finishes, open VM settings and uncheck "Connect at power on" for CD/DVD drive so VM does not boot into ISO installer again!

Related Tutorials

• 🎓 Windows Server 2012 Complete Tutorial Series (Video in Khmer)
• ⬇️ 01 - How to Download and Install Windows Server 2012 R2 (Video in Khmer)
• 💽 16 - Windows Server 2012 How to Set RAID 5 Storage (Video in Khmer)
• ⚡ 27 - Windows Server 2012 Install VMware ESXi (Video in Khmer)
• 💾 29 - Windows Server 2012 Backup Local Windows Server Once Time (Video in Khmer)

Hope this tutorial help you upload ISO file to VMware ESXi datastore and create new Virtual Machine OS easily! Practice VMware ESXi virtual machine deployment today. Happy learning my friends! Sharing is caring!