# General requirements

## VMware version

To access all **VMware** features, including advanced and LAN-free transport methods, **Xopero ONE** requires **VMware version 6.7 or later**.

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## License 

**Xopero ONE** requires a commercial **VMware** license.

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## ESXi & vSphere

**Xopero ONE** works with both **ESXi** and **vSphere**.

If you use **vSphere**, connect **Xopero ONE** to the **vSphere** server rather than an individual **ESXi** host. Connecting directly to an **ESXi** host when a **vSphere** server is active may cause backup issues.

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## Virtual appliance

Installing a **virtual appliance** (**VA**) is optional-- you can protect your infrastructure without it, but deploying a **VA** is strongly recommended.

{% hint style="info" %}
Learn more about virtual appliances in [this article](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/virtual-machines/vmware/integration/virtual-appliance).
{% endhint %}

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## Account type

To connect **VMware** to **Xopero ONE**, you need a **VMware administrative account**. It is recommended to create a dedicated **VMware** user account for backup tasks.

{% hint style="info" %}
Learn more about the required **VMware** permissions [here](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/virtual-machines/vmware/integration/required-permissions).
{% endhint %}

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## macOS

**MacOS** devices are <mark style="color:$danger;">**not supported**</mark> for many **VMware** operations. You cannot use **macOS** devices to:

* Register the **VMware** host in **Xopero ONE**.
* Back up **VMware** virtual machines.
* Deploy virtual appliance machines on the **VMware** host.