Updating VMware Tools

[MariusRoma]

In the past I updated VMware Tools and each time restarted the guest OS.

Now I read on page VMware Knowledge Base  that I can force VMware Tools update without rebooting the guest OS.

I made some tests and I noticed that VMware tools look to be updated without rebooting the guest OS.

I am a little bit confused.

• Deos it mean that I can update VMware Tools without rebooting the guest VM?
• Is rebooting the guest OS a best practice anyway?
• What is the possible disadvantage of skipping guest OS reboot?ù
• Should I schedule a reboot anyway (maybe late in the night)?

Regards

marius

[vmrale]

Hi,

as is stated in KB You mentioned:

"Windows guest operating systems generally require a reboot to load updated drivers. The ability to suppress a reboot is intended to accommodate coordination with other guest OS patching maintenance periods. A reboot should be performed as soon as feasible to benefit from the updated VMware Tools drivers."

Reboot is still required, but You can postpone it.

[Beingnsxpaddy]

Dear MariusRoma​ Please find the answers to your questions.

• Deos it mean that I can update VMware Tools without rebooting the guest VM?

Answer : Yes you can update the binaries without rebooting the guest OS, however new updated binaries will be loaded in the next OS boot.

• Is rebooting the guest OS a best practice anyway?

Answer : Rebooting the guest OS after any patching be it VMware tools or OS patches is a good practice, as it helps OS to load all updated binaries.

• What is the possible disadvantage of skipping guest OS reboot?

Answer : If we do not reboot, we will have the updated binaries available but as they aren't loaded, we would not be able to use features/benefits which comes with them.

• Should I schedule a reboot anyway (maybe late in the night)?

Answer : You may schedule the reboot depending on the outage availability, however I follow the monthly patching window for the reboot of the guest OS. I update the binaries and reboot happens with the monthly patching maintenance window.

Regards

Pradhuman

VCIX-NV, VCAP-NV, VCP2X-DCVNV

If my Answer resolved your query don't forget to mark it as "Correct Answer".