How to Migrate Your Virtual Machines to Proxmox (VirtualBox, VMware and Home Assistant)
If you got started in home automation or virtualization using VirtualBox or VMware on your main PC, chances are you’ve already outgrown it. The logical next step is to move to Proxmox, a professional hypervisor that lets you run your systems, like Home Assistant, efficiently 24/7. In this article, I’ll show you the easiest way to migrate your virtual disks without losing a single piece of data.
On YouTube I share more tutorials, hands-on tests and real smart home setups. Subscribe on YouTube
Related video on YouTube
VideoWhy migrate to Proxmox?
- Professional stability: Stop relying on keeping your Windows PC powered on.
- Resource management: Make far better use of your server’s RAM and CPU, such as a Mini PC.
- Backups: Native snapshot and scheduled backup management.
Step 1: Locate and copy your virtual disk
First, you need to know where your current software stores the virtual hard disk:
- VirtualBox: Look for files with the
.vdiextension. - VMware: Look for
.vmdkfiles.
Copy this file and keep it handy on your PC, since it will be the foundation of our new machine in Proxmox.
Step 2: The trick for uploading the file to Proxmox
Proxmox does not let you upload disk files directly from the web interface the same way you upload an ISO. The trick is to:
- Go to your node’s storage (usually called
local). - Upload the file by pretending it is an ISO image (changing the extension temporarily if needed), or use tools like WinSCP to move it to the
/tmpfolder on your Proxmox server.
Step 3: Create the new virtual machine (VM)
In Proxmox, create a new VM, but with one important detail: do not add any hard disk during the wizard. Set the rest of the settings (CPU, RAM, and Network) as close as possible to what you used in your previous system. Write down the machine ID (for example, 105 ).
Step 4: Import and convert the disk from the command line
This is where the magic happens. Open the Proxmox console (Shell) and use the qm importdisk command. This command converts the disk format (VDI or VMDK) into Proxmox’s native format (raw or qcow2) and attaches it to the VM.
Example command:
qm importdisk 105 /ruta/de/tu/archivo.vdi local-lvm(Where 105 is your VM ID and local-lvm is your storage).
Step 5: Final adjustments and boot
Once imported, go to the VM settings in Proxmox:
- You will see an "Unused Disk". Double-click it to add it.
- In Options > Boot Order, make sure the new disk is first in the list.
- Important: If you are migrating Home Assistant, do not forget to pass through the USB devices (such as your Zigbee Dongle) from the "Hardware" tab.
What about the IP?
When you switch environments, the network interface may be renamed internally. If you cannot access your machine after boot, check the network settings. In the video, I show you how to fix access issues caused by the old IP so everything returns to normal.
Conclusion
Migrating to Proxmox may seem challenging, but following these steps makes it a safe process that will transform your digital home. You will end up with a much more robust system that is ready to grow.
If you are just getting started and prefer to begin with the basics, don’t miss my Free Home Assistant Course or check out my discount coupons for hardware on AliExpress if you are looking for a Mini PC for your new Proxmox setup.
