# 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.

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## 🧭 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 |

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## ✅ 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.iso` downloaded and stored in `/var/lib/vz/template/iso/`.

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## 🔧 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):

```powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
irm https://git.voskuil.cloud/marco/scripts/raw/branch/main/Prep-VirtIODrivers.ps1 | iex