Upgrading VMware Tools without restart

[MikeStoica]

Hi,

Can the VMware Tools on Windows Server virtual machine be upgraded without restarting the vm after update?

[JPM300 · Accepted solution]

After version 5.5 you will no longer need to reboot to install / upgrade VMware tools, however the upgrade to 5.5 still requires a reboot

[MikeStoica]

On 5.1 Update 1 isn't possible?

[JPM300]

Sorry, it would appear version 5.1 to 5.5 doesn't require a reboot, however there may be some instances where it still may request it.  I would try a manual upgrade on one host to test and see how it reacts.  Here is a good article on the matter:

Clarification on (Zero-Down Time) VMware Tools Upgrade in vSphere 5.1 | VMware vSphere Blog - VMware...

VMware KB: Determining if a VMware Tools upgrade requires a reboot of a Windows guest operating syst...

So assuming all your drives from VMware Tools 5.1 are up to date and don't require a replacement you shouldn't require a reboot, however if one of the main componentes listed in the 2nd KB article need to be replaced it may ask for a reboot.  This reboot can also be prosponed until the next maintenence window if required.

I hope this has helped.

[cp24eva]

Keep in mind, while it wont reboot the system, it will log on anyone that is currently using the VM. I had to find this out the hard way after kicking off like 20 VMtools upgrades. Definitely worth noting.

[zenking]

Just to clarify, by upgrading to 5.5, JPM300 is referring to bringing the vm hardware level up to vmx-10. If the hosts are at 5.5 but the vm is still at 9 or below, the vmware tools upgrade will reboot the vm unless the appropriate suppress switch is used.

VM version 8 (5.0 level)

/S /v"/qn REBOOT=ReallySuppress"

VM Version 9 (5.1 level)

/S /v"/qn REBOOT=R"

VMs at vmx-10 do not require the switch.

[HeatherStreet]

Just tested a upgrade of VMware Tools on VMs with vmx-10 with a "Automatic" upgrade......they all rebooted

[ChuckS42]

Yah, I noticed that, too, but just for Windows Server 2012 VMs.  Started happening with the most recent VM Tools updates.

[zenking]

Heather and Chuck,

Sorry, just saw this. That stinks. It worked properly when I tested on my 2008 servers, but I probably used the switch on the couple of test 2012 servers I had at the time. Sorry that happened to you. I wonder if it's been fixed with hardware version 11.