iSCSI Storage Setup from Windows Server to ESXi Host – Complete Tutorial
iSCSI Storage Setup from Windows Server to ESXi Host – Complete Tutorial
Need shared storage in your VMware ESXi environment without buying a SAN? In this hands-on tutorial, you'll learn how to install and configure the iSCSI Target role on Windows Server, create virtual disks, and connect them to ESXi hosts as shared VMFS datastores — perfect for homelabs, small business setups, and exam labs!
We’ll walk through the full setup — from enabling iSCSI on Windows to mounting the iSCSI LUN in VMware vSphere. Whether you're a sysadmin, IT student, or virtualization enthusiast, this video will guide you every step of the way using real lab environments!
📌 Topics Covered:
Install iSCSI Target Role on Windows Server
Create and assign iSCSI Virtual Disks
Add ESXi hosts as iSCSI initiators
Configure dynamic and static discovery in vSphere
Rescan and create VMFS datastore in vSphere
Connect multiple ESXi hosts to shared LUN
Real-world iSCSI configuration for VMware Labs
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro/Lab setup
00:30 - Install iSCSI Target Role on Windows Server
01:23 - Create iSCSI Virtual Disk (VHD)
01:54 - Assign Disk to iSCSI Target
02:42 - Add Second ESXi Host
03:15 - Enable iSCSI Adapter in ESXi
03:35 - Add Target IP in Discovery
04:52 - Verify Storage on Both ESXi Hosts
📢 Stay Connected:
🌐 Subscribe: / @globaltechnologyoptions
📘 LinkedIn: / globaltechnologyoptions
📷 Instagram: / globaltechnologyoptions
💬 Got Questions?
Comment below if you’re facing issues with iSCSI initiator setup in vSphere, LUN visibility problems, or want help with home lab configurations. We’re happy to help!
This video is part of our VMware and Windows Server storage series and is perfect for:
IT admins setting up lab environments
Engineers preparing for VCP exams
SMBs adding shared storage without SAN
Homelab enthusiasts building HA test labs