Which tool is used for managing individual ESXi hosts directly when vCenter Server is unavailable?

The VMware Host Client is specifically designed for managing individual ESXi hosts directly, especially in scenarios where vCenter Server is unavailable. It provides a lightweight and accessible web-based interface that allows users to perform essential administrative tasks such as configuring networking, managing storage, and monitoring the host's performance without needing the complexity of vCenter Server.

The utility of the Host Client becomes particularly evident when you need to troubleshoot or perform maintenance on a standalone ESXi host, as it enables direct control over the host's resources and configurations. This direct management capability makes it an essential tool in environments where vCenter is either down or not deployed.

In contrast, the VMware vSphere Web Client is typically used for managing environments with vCenter Server, thus relying on vCenter's services rather than providing direct access to individual ESXi hosts. The vCenter Server Appliance represents a more comprehensive management solution for multiple hosts and greater scalability, but it does not serve the purpose of managing a single host when vCenter isn't operational. VMware Workstation Pro, on the other hand, is a desktop virtualization product that is not designed for the direct management of ESXi hosts.