How to Convert a VMware VMDK File to a Bootable Hyper-V VHD File or Assistance Needed for Migrating VMware VM to Azure VM

Question

I am looking to migrate my current setup from a VMware VM to an Azure VM without any manual intervention, ensuring that all software and applications run smoothly post-migration.

While I am aware of the standard VM migration processes from VMware to Azure, I am seeking additional approaches to achieve this.

Current Approaches Tried:

Using WinImage:

1. Navigated to Disk > Convert Disk > Create Fixed Size VHD.
2. Converted the disk.

However, after converting the disk, when I attempt to attach the VHD to a local machine, it prompts me to format the disk before use. Formatting the disk would erase all data, which defeats the purpose of the conversion as I might as well create a new VHD.

Using QEMU:

1. Executed the following command in CMD:
   qemu-img.exe convert -p -f vmdk "E:\test\disk1.vmdk" -O vpc -o subformat=fixed "E:\test\newdisk.vhd"
2. The disk conversion completes successfully, and I can attach it to a local machine without formatting.

However, when I try to create a new VM in Hyper-V or Azure using this VHD, the VM fails to boot with the error: "Boot failure. Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot media in selected Boot device."

Troubleshooting Steps:

I have followed this documentation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/windows/os-bucket-boot-failure.

And discovered that the issue arises because the disk is in GPT partition format rather than MBR.

Request for Assistance:

Could you please provide alternative approaches to convert the disk from VMDK to VHD, ensuring the disk remains bootable and no formatting is required?

Answer 1

@Swaroop Gowda D The methods officially supported by Azure are listed here. It sounds like you are looking outside these methods. I will let the community chime in if they have any solutions. Let me know if you have any questions regarding the Azure provided methods.