Enable SSH in ESXi
08.14.10
By default ESXI does not have ssh enabled. Here is a work around to enable SSH. In the ESXi console you must go into TechSupport or Unsupported mode.
- From the Console press alt+F1 – (Entering into this screen will not show you any type of prompt).
- On this screen type: unsupported
- Enter the root password ( if a root password is not set, alt+F2 to go back to the main ESXi screen and enter into the configuration menu to set the password and then repeat the sets above.)

- Once at a prompt type: vi /etc/inetd.conf
- In the list you will see #ssh. The “#” is commenting out the use of ssh.
- Remove the # symbol by either pressing insert and back spacing the symbol or by pressing the “x” when the character is highlighted.
- Now you can save the /etc/inetd.conf file by typing :wq!
- Also if you messed-up the file in any way you can press ESC and type :q! This will exit the file without saving and drop you to the ~# prompt.
- Once the file is :wq! you must restart the management services /sbin/services.sh restart or sometimes a full shutdown -r now
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