Unmanaged data disk migration to managed disk

Scion 40 Reputation points
2025-03-02T02:49:32.6666667+00:00

I understand the process of migrating VM with unmanaged OS disk is by clicking to "Migrate to managed disk" button in the disk console. However, If there is an additional data disk, will this process convert it as well? If not, how do you handle non-OS unmanaged data disk conversions to managed disks?unmanaged_disk_migration

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
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  1. Marcin Policht 39,525 Reputation points MVP
    2025-03-02T04:37:06.17+00:00

    As per https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/convert-unmanaged-to-managed-disks , this process converts both the OS disk and data disks to managed.

    "If you have existing Windows virtual machines (VMs) that use unmanaged disks, you can migrate the VMs to use managed disks through the Azure Managed Disks service. This process converts both the operating system (OS) disk and any attached data disks."


    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  1. SUNOJ KUMAR YELURU 15,006 Reputation points MVP
    2025-03-02T03:17:11.59+00:00

    Hello @Scion

    Migrate using the Azure portal

    You can also migrate unmanaged disks to managed disks using the Azure portal.

    1. Sign in to the Azure portal.
    2. Select the VM from the list of VMs in the portal.
    3. In the blade for the VM, select Disks from the menu.
    4. At the top of the Disks blade, select Migrate to managed disks.
    5. If your VM is in an availability set, there will be a warning on the Migrate to managed disks blade that you need to migrate the availability set first. The warning should have a link you can click to migrate the availability set. Once the availability set is converted or if your VM is not in an availability set, click Migrate to start the process of migrating your disks to managed disks.

    The VM will be stopped and restarted after migration is complete.

    • Downtime: The conversion process requires downtime because the VM must be stopped and deallocated. Plan accordingly.
    • Backup: It's always a good practice to back up your data before performing any major changes like this. Consider creating a snapshot of the unmanaged disk before starting the conversion.
    • Verification: After the conversion, verify that the VM is running correctly and that the data is accessible. Check the Azure portal to confirm that the disk is now a managed disk.

    If the Answer is helpful, please click Accept Answer and Up-Vote, so that it can help others in the community looking for help on similar topics.


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