How one can Add a Home windows Server NFS Shares to VMware ESXi

Learn this information to discover ways to arrange a Home windows Server 2022 NFS Folder share and use it to create an ESXi NFS datastore.

Overview and Background

After I constructed my VMware/vCenter house lab, I used a Home windows iSCSI goal server for the ESXi datastore. Nonetheless, at any time when I transfer a VM to the iSCSI datastore it freezes and the whole lot crashes.

I consider the iSCSI storage was failing as a consequence of community congestion. To repair this drawback, I made a decision to make use of a Home windows NFS share as an alternative.

Step 1: Set up the Server for NFS Function

Open PowerShell as administrator on the server you need to create the share and run the command under:

Set up-WindowsFeature -Title FS-NFS-Service -IncludeManagementTools

Step 2: Create an NFS Folder Share

The 2 subsections on this part clarify learn how to create a folder, after which use it to create an NFS share.

Step 2.1: Create a Folder to Use for the NFS Share

Run this command in PowerShell

New-Merchandise -Title ESXiDatastore -Path E: -ItemType Listing

Step 2.2: Create an NFS Share

1. Proper-click the folder and choose Properties.

2. Select the NFS Sharing tab after which click on Handle NFS Sharing.

3. Test the “Share this folder” checkbox on the NFS Superior Sharing display screen. After that, click on the Permissions button.

4. On the permissions web page, ALL MACHINES are allowed Learn-only entry by default. You may add particular person computer systems by clicking the Add button.

Nonetheless, for my house lab, I’ll enable all machines Learn-write by deciding on the choice from the Sort of access drop-down. Additionally, to permit root entry, I’ll verify the checkbox, Enable root entry.

5. Click on OK till you get to the folder’s properties sheet. Then, word the NFS Share community path.

Step 3: Mount the NFS Share as a Datastore

1. Check in to the ESXi host in an internet browser. After that, click on the Storage node, then the New Datastore button.

2. On the primary web page of the New datastore wizard, select the Mount NTS Datastore possibility and click on Subsequent.

3. On the configuration web page, give the datastore a reputation, enter the IP handle of the FQDN of the Home windows Server, and the share identify (add a “/” earlier than the share identify). Lastly, on the ultimate web page, evaluate your settings and click on End.

If the whole lot goes in response to plan, ESXi will take a short time so as to add the NFS datastore.

Repeat the above steps so as to add the identical NFS to different ESXi hosts you want to share the identical datastore.

Conclusion

A Home windows Server NFS Share seems to carry out higher than a Home windows iSCSI goal server. On this information, I’ve defined the steps to put in the Server for NFS Function Home windows Server position.

Then, create an NFS folder share. Lastly, I confirmed learn how to mount the NFS share as an EXSi datastore.