Change a VM password with Guest Customization

If you have created a new VM from template, or are unsure of a VMs Administrator or root password, then this guide will describe how to change a VMs password using the VMWare Guest Customization tools.

First log into your VDC, and navigate to “Virtual Machines”.  Locate the VM you are attempting to change the password for, and click details.

In the VM details navigate to “Guest OS Customization” and click “Edit”

Ensure that “Enable guest customization” is ticked.
Tick, “Allow local administrator password”
Add a new password in “Specify password”
Save the changes

You will need to first power down the VM.
Once the VM is powered off, power it back on while applying Guest Customizations.
To do this, navigate to the VM, click “Actions”, and select “Power” → “Power On, Force Recustomization”

Once the VM powers back on the password will be changed to what you have set.