In order to run ESXi inside VMware workstation, we simply need to select “VMware ESXi 5″ as the operation system of the guest VM we are creating.

Creating a Nested ESXi 5/5.1 in VMware Workstation 8/9_nested

Then, Edit the VM’s Settings, and under the Hardware tab, and processors, check the box to Virtualize Intel VT.

Creating a Nested ESXi 5/5.1 in VMware Workstation 8/9_nested_02

The option to run ESXi inside of VMware workstation is great, especially for when you don’t have a lot of physical hardware to test with.