Use a direct URL formatted as: https:// /folder/ / ?dcPath= &dsName= . :
This guide covers the safest and most efficient methods to download VMDK files using the vSphere Client, Command Line Interface (CLI), PowerCLI, and secure copy protocols. Understanding VMDK File Structures download vmdk from datastore
scp root@<ESXi_IP>:"/vmfs/volumes/DatastoreName/MyVM/MyVM.vmdk" ./Desktop/ Use a direct URL formatted as: https:// /folder/ /
This is the most straightforward method as it requires no additional software installation. Command Line Interface (CLI)
Open WinSCP or FileZilla and connect to the ESXi host using its IP address and root credentials.
Because VMDK files are often large (sometimes terabytes in size), downloading them requires a stable connection and the right tools. Below are the three most common methods to accomplish this.