Restarting ESXi host is an essential system administration task when performance issues or management connectivity issues persist in a VMware vSphere environment. The objective is to provide a detailed guide that shows the recommended step-by-steps for restarting ESXi host, management agents, and troubleshooting any related common service.
Table of Contents
Using DCUI to Restart the ESXi Management Agents
Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) has the most reliable option for a restart of the management agents ESXi. The DCUI is a graphical user interface that operates at the local level on the ESXi host and remains functional if the network is unreachable.
Accessing the DCUI to Manage Services
- Connect directly via console to your ESXi host or utilize remote console access
- Press F2 at the DCUI main screen
- Enter the root credentials for executing the action
- Navigate to Troubleshooting Options
- Select Restart Management Agents
The process of restarting from DCUI generally completes in 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, you may lose connectivity to vCenter, but the virtual machines will operate normally. DCUI restart action will automatically restart both hostd and vpxa services at the same time.
Command-Line Methods for ESXi Service Management
SSH access enables precise control over individual ESXi services through command-line tools. These methods offer greater flexibility for troubleshooting specific service issues.
Using services.sh Script
The services.sh script provides comprehensive service management capabilities:
# List all services and their status
/etc/init.d/services.sh status
# Restart all management services
/etc/init.d/services.sh restart
# Stop specific services
/etc/init.d/services.sh stop
# Start services after maintenance
/etc/init.d/services.sh startThe services.sh restart command stops and starts hostd, vpxa, and related management components in the correct sequence. This ESXi restart command ensures proper service dependencies.
Individual Service Management
Target specific services when troubleshooting isolated issues:
# Restart hostd service (ESXi host daemon)
/etc/init.d/hostd restart
# Restart vpxa service (vCenter agent)
/etc/init.d/vpxa restart
# Restart web client services
/etc/init.d/rhttpproxy restartIndividual service restarts minimize disruption while addressing specific connectivity or performance problems.
Network Service Recovery
When facing ESXi management network connectivity issues, restart network-related services:
# Restart network management
/etc/init.d/network restart
# Restart DNS resolver
/etc/init.d/ntpd restart
# Verify network connectivity
vmware-cmd -lNetwork service restarts resolve IP configuration changes and connectivity problems without affecting running virtual machines.
Advanced Commands to Restart ESXi Host
Complete host restart becomes necessary when service-level restarts fail to resolve persistent issues.
Graceful Host Restart
Perform controlled host restart to minimize virtual machine impact:
# Put host in maintenance mode (if managed by vCenter)
vim-cmd hostsvc/maintenance_mode_enter
# Restart ESXi host gracefully
reboot
# Alternative restart method
shutdown -r nowMaintenance mode ensures virtual machines migrate to other hosts before restart ESXi host operations begin. This approach maintains service availability in clustered environments.
Emergency Restart Procedures
When standard methods fail, emergency restart options provide last-resort recovery:
# Force immediate restart (use with caution)
reboot -f
# Power cycle through IPMI/iLO (hardware dependent)
ipmitool power cycleEmergency procedures should only be used when other methods fail, as they may cause virtual machine downtime or data loss.
Troubleshooting ESXi Management Service Issues
Systematic troubleshooting identifies root causes before applying restart procedures.
Identifying Service Problems
Check service status and logs to diagnose issues:
# Check service status
/etc/init.d/hostd status
/etc/init.d/vpxa status
# Review service logs
tail -f /var/log/hostd.log
tail -f /var/log/vpxa.log
# Monitor system resources
esxtopLog analysis reveals specific error conditions, resource constraints, or configuration problems causing service failures.
Common Scenarios To Restart ESXi Host
Post-Restart Verification
Confirm service recovery after restart procedures:
# Verify service status
/etc/init.d/services.sh status
# Test vCenter connectivity
vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms
# Check web interface access
curl -k https://esxi-host-ip/ui/Verification steps ensure complete service recovery and prevent recurring issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does restart ESXi host take?
Individual service restarts typically complete within 30-60 seconds. Full services.sh restart may take 2-3 minutes depending on system configuration and virtual machine count.
Will restarting ESXi host affect running virtual machines?
No, restarting management services does not impact running virtual machines. VMs continue operating normally while only management connectivity may briefly disconnect.
What is the difference between hostd and vpxa services?
Hostd manages local ESXi host operations and web interface access. Vpxa handles communication between ESXi hosts and vCenter Server for centralized management.
When should I restart the entire ESXi host instead of just services?
Restart the complete host when service restarts fail to resolve issues, after major configuration changes, or when experiencing kernel-level problems affecting system stability.
Ready to optimize your ESXi environment? Bookmark this guide and practice these commands in your test environment before applying them to production systems.
