Access the ESXi Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) over SSH

I don’t think I have ever needed to do this in a production environment, but it is helpful for training/teaching when running virtual ESXi hosts in the lab.

First you need to enable and start Remote Tech Support (SSH). This is done for the ESXi Host in Configuration -> Software -> Security Profile

Use an SSH client (putty) to connect to the ESXi host.

Once logged in simply run dcui

~ # dcui

Look familiar? Want to change the color to look like the console – check out this post.

To exit DCUI and return to the prompt use CTRL-C