There are numbers of way to full patch/ update vCenter Appliance (VCSA). Most of those are using the repository from network/ internet and the easiest one is to utilise the .iso file ready to use with CDRom drive (my prefered option for updating HA or standalone vCenter).

To utilising the .iso file to fully patch the VCSA, the file required to download from my.vmware.com portal. The URL for all patch is https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/patch. Once on the page, select VC from the drop-down menu for Select a Product. If required, select version of the product and release date range. After the search, the result will appear with all the patch for the selected filter. Download the appropriate .iso file.

The update process is probably the easiest for any admin.

Once the .iso file gets download, mount that to CD/DVD drive of the VCSA VM. In the example below, I used VMRC to add the .iso file. It can be done by editing VM as well.

 

 

The next step is to from VCSA management console. The URL is https://vcsa FQDN or IP address:5480. From the GUI, go to update option, shows in the screenshot below.

Now it’s time to check from the working pane. Click check update > Check CDROM from the top right corner.

 

Once it finds new patches, it will show the information and reboot requirement in the Available Updates section.

 

Click Install Update > Install CDROM Updates from the Available update section.

To proceed to next steps and install the update, you will require to agree EULA and select/ deselect Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP)

 

Once the updates get completed, the wizard will ask for reboot, if necessary.

 

To Reboot the VCSA, go-to Summary section from the left menu and select Reboot.

Done!! so simple to update the VCSA.

Upgrading vCenter HA will be coming soon.