How to Restart vpxa Service in ESXi
If you are running an ESXi server, you may encounter issues with the vCenter Extension Service Agent (vpxa) at some point. This service is essential for managing and monitoring the ESXi host from vCenter Server. If the vpxa service becomes unresponsive or encounters errors, you may need to restart it to restore functionality. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to restart the vpxa service in ESXi.
Before proceeding, it is important to note that restarting the vpxa service may temporarily interrupt the communication between the ESXi host and the vCenter Server. Make sure to schedule this operation during a maintenance window to minimize any potential impact on your virtual environment.
Step 1: Connect to the ESXi Host
First, you will need to connect to the ESXi host either through the vSphere Client or SSH. If you choose to use SSH, make sure it is enabled on the host.
Step 2: Identify the Process ID of the vpxa Service
Once connected to the ESXi host, you will need to identify the process ID (PID) of the vpxa service. You can do this by running the following command in the SSH session:
esxcli vm process list | grep vpxa
Take note of the PID associated with the vpxa service, as you will need this information in the next step.
Step 3: Stop the vpxa Service
Now that you have the PID of the vpxa service, you can stop it by running the following command:
esxcli vm process kill --type=force --world-id=
Replace “
Step 4: Start the vpxa Service
After stopping the vpxa service, you can start it again using the following command:
/etc/init.d/vpxa start
Once the vpxa service has been successfully restarted, you should see the service up and running without any issues.
Step 5: Verify the Status of the vpxa Service
To confirm that the vpxa service is running correctly, you can check its status by using the following command:
/etc/init.d/vpxa status
If the vpxa service is active and running without any errors, you have successfully restarted the service on the ESXi host.
Conclusion
Restarting the vpxa service in ESXi is a straightforward process that can help resolve issues related to the service. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly restart the vpxa service and ensure the smooth operation of your ESXi host.