Before downloading, ensure your host system meets these minimum hardware and software specifications:

Which you are using (VMware Workstation, ESXi, Fusion, etc.)? Your host computer's operating system and available RAM ?

With the node management network configured, you can now create your storage cluster.

Once logged in, follow these steps to locate and download the correct files: Navigate to the section and select Software .

For advanced learning, download and import a second simulator VM instance. Use the cluster setup wizard to join the second node to your existing cluster. This unlocks features like failover testing and aggregate relocation.

VMware Workstation Pro/Player (Windows/Linux) or VMware Fusion (macOS).

While the simulator software itself is free, access is generally restricted to registered NetApp customers and partners. NetApp Community NetApp ONTAP 9 simulator download and support

Name your virtual machine (e.g., ONTAP9-Node1 ) and choose a storage path. Click and wait for the virtual disks to unpack. Step 2: Configure Virtual Hardware Settings Before powering on the VM, edit the hardware settings:

If you already have an account, click and enter your credentials. If you do not have an account, click Register .

The ONTAP simulator is ideal for setting up and testing network configurations, creating and modifying aggregates, storage virtual machines (SVMs), volumes, policies, and managing security and data services.

: You generally need a valid NetApp Customer or Partner support account to download the simulator. While some sources suggest guest accounts might work for older versions, current restrictions often limit access for guest users.

(via hypervisor console window). Default credentials are typically:

The (also known as Simulate ONTAP ) is a free tool used to test NetApp storage features without physical hardware. It runs as a virtual machine on hypervisors like VMware. Where to Download