How to Migrate from VMware ESXi to Hyper-V?

As many professionals in cloud computing and virtualization already know, VMware’s reputation has recently taken a hit. VMware underwent significant changes in its software offerings following Broadcom’s acquisition. The new owners have decided to shift from perpetual licensing to a subscription-based model and discontinue the free version of the ESXi hypervisor. As can be imagined, many VMware users were unhappy with the changes and have started looking for alternatives.

In the wake of these recent developments, many organizations are considering moving from VMware to Hyper-V, Microsoft’s virtualization platform. The latter’s cost-effectiveness and integration capability with other Microsoft tools makes it the ideal choice. If you are looking to migrate your VMware ESXi machine to Hyper-V but need guidance, follow the steps outlined in this article to get started.

Why Migrate from VMware ESXi to Hyper-V?

This section will offer a concise overview of why converting from VMware to Hyper-V is the right move for your organization.

1. Cost Efficiency: Moving from VMware to Hyper-V can offer significant cost savings. Hyper-V is included with Windows Server licenses and can be used at no additional cost, whereas VMware ESXi typically requires a separate licensing fee, especially for advanced features. Additionally, Microsoft often offers more integrated support solutions, potentially lowering overall support costs for your virtualization environment.
2. Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Hyper-V integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Windows Server, Active Directory, System Center, and Azure. If your organization uses these products, Hyper-V is bound to offer better integration. It also integrates well with Microsoft Azure for hybrid cloud deployments, allowing for smooth extension of your on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.
3. Performance and Features: Hyper-V offers several useful features like Dynamic Memory, which optimizes memory allocation across virtual machines based on demand, and Live Migration which allows you to move virtual machines between hosts without downtime. Hyper-V also supports Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) and offers advanced storage features for better performance and management.
4. Scalability and Flexibility: Hyper-V supports a range of configurations from small setups to large enterprise environments. It can handle large-scale deployments with features like Replica and Cluster Shared Volumes. For advanced management, Hyper-V integrates with System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) offering a powerful tool for large-scale virtual infrastructures.
5. Security Features: Hyper-V includes advanced security features like Shielded VMs, which prevent unauthorized access to virtual machines and their data. Its integration with Windows Defender and other Microsoft security tools adds an extra layer of protection.
6. Support and Community: Microsoft provides extensive documentation, support options, and a large community of professionals for Hyper-V. There are numerous forums, blogs, and user groups for the virtualization software where you can find help and share knowledge.
7. Disaster Recovery Solutions: Hyper-V provides built-in disaster recovery capabilities through Azure Site Recovery, streamlining recovery planning and execution.
8. Licensing and Subscription Models: Microsoft offers different licensing models, including subscription-based options that might be more flexible compared to VMware’s licensing approaches. With Software Assurance, organizations can upgrade to the latest versions of Hyper-V without any additional licensing costs.
9. Consolidation of Infrastructure: Migrating to Hyper-V can help consolidate infrastructure if you are already using other Microsoft services and products, leading to a more unified management experience. The switch from VMware to Hyper-V reduces hardware costs and simplifies the overall IT operations.
10. Improved Management Tools: Hyper-V Manager and Windows Admin Center offer comprehensive management for your virtual machines and hosts. These tools simplify virtual machine management and help improve overall efficiency.

Key Considerations for Migrating from VMware to Hyper-V

Effective pre-migration practices are essential for a smooth transition from VMware to Hyper-V. Migrating to Hyper-V offers cost savings, better integration with Microsoft products, advanced features, and strong security and disaster recovery options. However, it requires careful planning, training, and a thorough evaluation of your current environment and future needs. Follow the suggestions mentioned below to get started on the migration process.

1. Compatibility Verification: Verify that every system and program you use is compatible with Hyper-V. Conduct a thorough investigation to identify cases that may require adjustments or cause problems.
2. Training and Skill Development: Arrange training for your IT staff to adapt to Hyper-V’s operational and management procedures as they are noticeably different from VMware’s. This will equip them with the skills necessary to effectively troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
3. Migration Planning: To reduce downtime and data loss, develop a comprehensive migration plan that includes scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management strategies. Tools like Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter can help with the migration procedure.
4. Testing and Validation: Thoroughly test all workloads and procedures in the new environment to ensure smooth operation before going live. This is crucial for identifying issues before going live. Additional tests need to be conducted to ensure the normal functioning of all systems post-migration.

Successful migration requires meticulous preparation to mitigate potential issues and ensure a seamless transition. Before initiating the conversion process, it is imperative to perform the essential tasks mentioned above. Additionally, uninstalling VMware Tools before migration helps expedite the process and ensures optimal performance in the Hyper-V environment.

Overview of Tools and Methods for VMware to Hyper-V Migration

Several methods and tools are available to facilitate the conversion of VMware VMs to Hyper-V format. Microsoft offers robust solutions like the Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter (MVMC) and System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM), each tailored to meet specific migration requirements. Additionally, PowerShell scripts can be leveraged to convert virtual disk formats, providing flexibility and customization options for more complex migration scenarios.

• Using Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter (MVMC)

  MVMC stands out as a free, standalone tool equipped with a user-friendly interface, simplifying the conversion process for both virtual machines and physical machines. With support for VMware, MVMC enables seamless migration to Hyper-V or Microsoft Azure environments, ensuring compatibility and reliability throughout the transition.

• Converting VMDK to VHD Using PowerShell

  For scenarios where VMware virtual disk files are available, PowerShell scripts can be employed to convert VMDK disks to Hyper-V compatible VHD format. This method offers a versatile approach, allowing administrators to handle conversions efficiently and customize settings according to their specific requirements.

Steps/ Procedure for VMware to Hyper-V Migration

The migration process consists of several critical steps. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to switch from VMware to Hyper-V for an effortless transition.

• Prepare the VM for Export

  Log in to the VMware vSphere Client and select the VM you want to export.

  Right-click the VM and choose Power > Shut Down Guest OS (if it is powered on). Once again right-click on the VM and choose Snapshots > Take Snapshot; enter a name and description for the snapshot and click OK.

  

  Export the VM as OVF

  Open the VMware vSphere Client and connect to your ESXi host or vCenter Server. Navigate to the VM you wish to export. Right-click on the VM and select Export > Export OVF Template.

  Choose OVF or OVA (we will choose OVF for the initial export) as the export format. Choose a location to save the exported files. The export will create multiple files including .ovf, .vmdk, and potentially .mf. Click OK or Next to start the export process.

• Convert OVF to OVA

  Once you have the OVF files, you need to package them into a single OVA file. You can use the ovftool command-line utility for this conversion. Download the OVF Tool from VMware’s website if you do not already have it.

  Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where the OVF Tool is located. Use the following command to convert the OVF to an OVA file:

  ovftool “source_OVF_file.ovf” “destination_OVA_file.ova”

• After creating the OVA file, verify its functionality and check the file size.

• Convert OVA to VHD/VHDX

  OVA format is in essence an archive format, we can use software like 7-zip to extract VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) file(s) from it. The VMDK file is the actual file we need to convert to VHD/VHDX format.

  Convert VMDK to VHD: To convert VMDK to VHD, we will need a tool offered by Microsoft called Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter (MVMC), which provides a PowerShell module to do the conversion.

  • Run the below commands in PowerShell (with admin privileges)
  Import-Module “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter\MvmcCmdlet.psd1”

  • If you want to convert to VHD run the below command.
  ConvertTo-MvmcVirtualHardDisk source_OVF_file.vmdk -VhdType FixedHardDisk -VhdFormat vhd

  • If you want to convert to VHDX run the below command.
  ConvertTo-MvmcVirtualHardDisk source_OVF_file.vmdk -VhdType FixedHardDisk -VhdFormat vhdx

  Note: If a dynamic disk is required then replace FixedHardDisk with DynamicHardDisk.

  The file will be saved in the same folder PowerShell is pointing to.

• Create a new Virtual Machine

  Open Hyper-V Manager. From the Action pane, click New, and then click on Virtual Machine.

  
  From the New Virtual Machine Wizard, click Next. For VHD, select the existing VHD option and connect the converted VHD/VHDX.

  After verifying your choices on the Summary page, click Finish. Launch the virtual computer to check if everything functions as planned.

After completing the migration, ensuring proper transition, and addressing potential issues are crucial. That is where our expert support comes in. At Apps4Rent we provide comprehensive assistance throughout every phase of the project.

Apps4Rent Can Help with Your VMware to Hyper-V Migration

Changing service providers to meet organizational goals is a widespread practice, especially for virtualization solutions. Although possible, migrating from VMware to Hyper-V is a complicated process requiring a clear understanding of the tools and software involved. Every step of the migration must be carefully managed, as there is extraordinarily little room for error.

Our team of experts, with their considerable experience in Microsoft Solutions and VMware migration, can ensure a smooth transition for you. We are well-versed in handling the various difficulties associated with the migration, from planning and execution to troubleshooting and optimization. At Apps4Rent, we offer personalized assistance throughout the migration process, tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization.

Contact our specialists any time – via call, text, or email – for expert support with your VMware to Hyper-V migration. Regardless of the size or complexity of the migration project, you can count on our team to guide you every step of the way.