To apply asynchronous software updates to a VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) instance using the VMware Async Patch CLI Tool, an administrator must follow a specific sequence of steps. The VMware Async Patch CLI Tool is designed to facilitate the application of critical patches to VCF components- such as NSX Manager, vCenter Server, or ESXi-outside the standard release cycle. These patches are then integrated into the SDDC Manager for application.
Based on the provided options and standard practices, the four correct steps are outlined below.
Step 1: Download the Bundles
The process begins with obtaining the necessary patch bundles. These bundles contain the asynchronous updates that need to be applied to the VCF instance. In an offline environment, the administrator downloads the bundles on a separate computer with internet access using the Async Patch CLI Tool (e.g., with a command like --download). In an online environment, the tool can download the bundles directly to the SDDC Manager.
The option B. Download the bundles accurately reflects this initial step, as it is a prerequisite regardless of the environment.
Step 2: Upload the Bundles to SDDC Manager
Once downloaded, the bundles must be made available to the SDDC Manager. In an offline scenario, this involves manually transferring (or uploading) the downloaded bundles from the separate computer to the SDDC Manager appliance. In an online scenario, the Async Patch CLI Tool can automate this upload to the SDDC Manager's internal Lifecycle Management (LCM) repository when enabling the patch.
The option G. Upload the bundles to SDDC Manager represents this critical step, ensuring the bundles are accessible to the system.
Step 3: Enable the Bundles
With the bundles uploaded to the SDDC Manager, the administrator uses the Async Patch CLI Tool to enable the patches. This step involves running a command such as --enableAsyncPatch, which registers the patch bundles with the SDDC Manager and prepares them for application. In an online environment, this command may also handle the download and upload automatically, but since the options separate these actions, "enable" refers specifically to making the patches available within the SDDC Manager.
The option E. Enable the bundles corresponds to this process, aligning with the tool's role in enabling patches for subsequent application.
Step 4: Apply the Patches through the SDDC Manager UI
Finally, the administrator applies the enabled patches to the VCF instance using the SDDC Manager user interface (UI). The Async Patch CLI Tool does not apply the patches directly; instead, it prepares them, and the actual application occurs through the SDDC Manager UI as part of the lifecycle management process. This step ensures the patches are deployed to the target components in a controlled manner.
The option F. Apply the patches through the SDDC Manager UI accurately describes this final action.
Why Not the Other Options?
A). Download the bundles from SDDC Manager: This is incorrect because bundles are typically downloaded from an external source (e.g., VMware's repository) to the SDDC Manager, not the other way around.
C). Upload the confirmation to SDDC Manager: There is no standard process involving "uploading a confirmation" in the async patching workflow, making this option irrelevant.
D). Apply the patches directly through the Async Patch CLI Tool: This is incorrect, as the tool only enables patches; the application is performed via the SDDC Manager UI.
Conclusion
The four steps an administrator would take to apply asynchronous software updates using the VMware Async Patch CLI Tool are:
B). Download the bundles
G). Upload the bundles to SDDC Manager
E). Enable the bundles
F). Apply the patches through the SDDC Manager UI
These steps provide a complete and logical sequence for successfully patching a VCF instance with the Async Patch CLI Tool.

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