This is a guide to the process of updating VMware vCenter Server. Its intention is to give an overview of the steps involved rather than going into too much detail, as this can vary from version to version.
Detailed guides are available for:
1. Download media from VMware website. ZIP or ISO.
2. Read the release notes.
3. Backup existing vCenter database.
4. Make note or print off a list of which ESX server each VM is on (incase console access or VM modification is required during upgrade).
5. Backup license server files in C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware License Server\Licenses
6. Start the vCenter installer which will detect the already installed programs and will upgrade them. You will need to have the database details to hand (username and password) to update the database.
7. Reboot the vCenter server.
8. Login into vCenter and check the version/build number is now updated.
9. Test that all functionality is working correctly.