By default, remote command execution is disabled on an ESXi host, and you cannot log in to the host by using a remote shell. You can enable remote command execution from the direct console or from the vSphere Web Client.

1

At the direct console of the ESXi host, press F2 and provide credentials when prompted.

2

Scroll to Troubleshooting Options and press Enter.

3

Choose Enable SSH and press Enter.

On the left, Enable SSH changes to Disable SSH. On the right, SSH is Disabled changes to SSH is Enabled.

4

Press Esc until you return to the main direct console menu.

After you have enabled SSH, you can log in to the ESXi Shell remotely and run ESXi Shell commands.