Uninstalling VMware HCX: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Key Consideration: Uninstalling HCX is a disruptive operation that, if not performed correctly, can impact network connectivity, workload availability, and disaster recovery protections. It is essential to follow a structured process and validate each step.

Preparing for Uninstallation

Before diving into the uninstallation process, let’s prepare. This preparation phase is crucial for a smooth operation.

Backing Up HCX Manager

Before making any changes, it is crucial to back up the HCX Manager appliance to preserve configuration, inventory data, certificates, and system UUIDs. This backup can be used to restore the system in case of failure or if a rollback is required. Follow the guide on VMware HCX Manager: How to Backup a Step-by-Step Guide.

Warning: Do not attempt to uninstall HCX if there are any ongoing migrations, DR protections, or network extensions in use. This can result in data loss or network outages

Stage 1 – Stop Operations & Unextend Networks

1. Finish or cancel migrations/DR tasks: Ensure that all tasks are completed or canceled.

2. Check for Active Migrations: In the HCX Manager UI, navigate to the Migration tab and ensure there are no active or pending replication or migration jobs running. Cancel any pending or scheduled tasks.

   
   

3. Unextend/Remove any stretched networks:

   Network extensions (L2 stretch) must be removed before uninstalling HCX to prevent network conflicts and ensure clean decommissioning.

   
   

   Steps to Remove Network Extensions:

4. Navigate to Services > Network Extension in HCX Manager UI.

5. Select the Site Pair: The system displays Service Mesh entries and existing network extensions.

6. Select Networks to Unextend: Use the checkbox to select one or more networks.

7. Click "Unextend Networks" or use the ellipsis menu for additional actions.

8. Confirm the Unextend Operation: A dialog box appears to confirm the action.

9. (Optional) Select "Connect cloud network to cloud edge gateway after unextending" if you want the cloud segment to be connected post-unextension.

10. Monitor the Operation: The system removes the L2 bridged path but does not remove the NSX Segment or vSphere Port Group.

    
    

    Warning: Removing a network extension can disrupt network connectivity for VMs using source-side DHCP, DNS, or NTP services. Plan for potential service interruptions and update network configurations as needed

    
    

Stage 2 – Delete Service Mesh(es)

All Service Mesh instances must be deleted before uninstalling HCX.

Steps to Delete Service Mesh Instances:

1. Navigate to Interconnect > Service Mesh in HCX Manager UI.

2. For Each Service Mesh:

3. Click "Delete."

4. Confirm the deletion.

5. Repeat for All Service Meshes: If multiple Service Meshes are deployed, repeat the deletion process for each.

6. Verify Deletion: Ensure that Service Meshes no longer appear in the UI.

   
   

Stage 3 – Remove/Disconnect HCX Site Pairing

Site pairs define the trusted relationship between source and destination HCX Managers. All site pairs must be disconnected to fully decommission HCX.

Steps to Disconnect Site Pairs:

1. Navigate to Infrastructure > Site Pairs in HCX Manager UI.

2. Select the Site Pair to Delete:

3. Click "Delete Site Pair."

4. Confirm the deletion.

5. Repeat for All Site Pairs: Ensure all site pairs are removed.

   
   

Stage 4 – Remove HCX Manager Appliances (Source & Destination)

Once all logical configurations are removed, the HCX Manager appliances themselves must be deleted from both the source and destination environments.

Steps to Remove HCX Manager Appliances:

1. At the Destination Site:

2. In vCenter, navigate to Hosts and Clusters.

3. Expand the cluster where HCX Manager is deployed.

4. Locate the HCX Manager VM.

5. Right-click and select "Power Off."

   
   

6. Repeat at the Source Site: Follow the same steps to power off and remove the HCX Manager VM from the source site.

   
   

Stage 5 – Unregistering HCX vCenter Plug-in and Removing Extensions

Steps to Unregister HCX Plug-in: Either from vCenter or via MOB

1. Access vCenter & remove Plug-in via vSphere Client:

2. Go to Administration > Solutions > Client Plugins.

3. Locate the HCX plug-in and remove it.

   
   

4. Remove Plug-in via vCenter MOB (Managed Object Browser):

5. Access https://vc fqdn or ip/mob.

6. Navigate to Content > ExtensionManager.

7. Remove the HCX extension from the list.

   
   

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Uninstalling VMware HCX in a private cloud isn’t just about removing a virtual appliance; it’s about ensuring your environment remains clean, stable, and ready for future deployments. By following the structured steps outlined above, you can avoid leftover configurations, stale pairings, or plugin issues that might complicate your infrastructure later.

I’ve added detailed screenshots for each step to make this guide even easier to follow. Thanks for visiting, and I hope this walkthrough helps you streamline your HCX lifecycle management. Stay tuned for more technical deep-dives and practical guides!

Final Thoughts

As you proceed with the uninstallation, remember that careful planning is key. Each step is designed to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy uninstalling!