Migrating a Windows Server 2025 VM from VMware ESXi to Proxmox VE
This guide describes the most reliable and direct way to migrate a Windows Server 2025 virtual machine
from VMware ESXi to Proxmox VE, using virt-v2v.
It also covers driver preparation and alternative manual import steps.
🧭 Overview
| Method | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| virt-v2v (recommended) | Converts directly from ESXi to Proxmox | Keeps partitions, converts drivers | Requires CLI |
| VMDK import | Export disk → qm importdisk |
Simple | Manual driver fix |
| Veeam restore | Restore backup | Handy for existing policy | Often fails to boot |
✅ Prerequisites
- Both ESXi and Proxmox VE hosts reachable on the same network.
- Proxmox host has sufficient storage and CPU.
- Administrative credentials for ESXi (usually
root). virtio-win.isodownloaded and stored in/var/lib/vz/template/iso/.
🔧 1. Prepare Windows VM on ESXi
Before migrating, pre-install VirtIO drivers inside the Windows VM to ensure it boots in Proxmox.
Run this PowerShell script inside the VM (as Administrator):
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
irm https://git.voskuil.cloud/marco/scripts/raw/branch/main/Prep-VirtIODrivers.ps1 | iex