Update host when it contains the vCenter server appliance

[GraemeDurie]

I have a set-up where I have three hosts, one of the hosts has vCenter server deployed to it to manage and update all the hosts.

Given that its not possible to move the vCenter server without vrealize how can I apply patch updates to the that host given that it cant go into maintenance mode while the vCenter server is started ?

[RickVerstegen]

Download the ZIP file via patch download portal and upload it to a datastore (via WinSCP for example) that is reachable for the host you want to patch (it can be local or shared datastore).

As you mention you won't be able to do vMotion shutdown all virtual machines including vCenter. Connect with SSH (via Putty for example) to your ESXi host.

Use the command to install the patch:

esxcli software vib install -d <.zip file location>

[daphnissov]

Rick's answer is correct, however not sure what you mean by this

Given that its not possible to move the vCenter server without vrealize

vRealize <insert_product_name> has nothing to do with whether you can move a vCenter Server VM to another host. You're probably thinking of vSphere with Essentials Plus or greater.