Enabling SSH for non-root users in ESXi fails with the error: Access denied

To enable SSH access for non-root users:

 

Create a user account on the ESXi host using one of these options:

• Create a user account using the vSphere Client.
  
  Using the vSphere Client:

1. Connect to the host directly using the vSphere Client with root credentials.
2. Click the Local Users & Groups tab.
3. Right-click anywhere in the tab, then click Add.
4. Enter a log in name and password.
5. Click OK.

Click the Permissions tab.

Right-click Add Permission then click Add.

Select the newly created local user from the list and click Add.

Assign the Administrator role to the user then click OK.