Authenticating Directly to the Host ESXCLI offers several options for authenticating directly to the host. Using Environment VariablesHow you use environment variables depends on the operating system that you are using. Using a Configuration FileYou can use a text file that contains variable names and settings as a configuration file. Using Command-Line OptionsYou can pass in command-line options by using option name and option value pairs in most cases. Using the Microsoft Windows Security Support Provider InterfaceWith the --passthroughauth option, which is available if you run ESXCLI commands from a Microsoft Windows system, you can use the Microsoft Windows Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI). ESXCLI and Lockdown ModeLockdown mode can disable all direct root access to ESXi machines. Parent topic: Running ESXCLI Host Management Commands