Virtual machines are useful in many ways. You can use them to try new operating systems, test experimental software, run older applications, and more. Two of the most popular virtual machine software are VMware And Virtual Box. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the best thing is that you can easily switch your virtual machines between them: convert VMware to VirtualBox and vice versa. You will never need to refactor the same virtual machine into different software again.
Good to know: Can't decide between VMware and VirtualBox? Learn which one is the best virtualization software 2024 for you.
Migrate from VMware to VirtualBox
Before you begin the migration process, make sure that the virtual machine you want to export is completely powered off and not in a “suspended” state. This applies to both VMware and VirtualBox. You will need to convert your VMware virtual machine file (.vmx) to an “.ovf” file. OVF is an open standard for packaging and distributing virtual machines and is supported by both VirtualBox and VMware.
Export the desired VMware virtual machine file to an .ovf file by opening your VMware directory and OVFTool folder. Press Shift+right-click, then click Open PowerShell Window Here.
![Migrate from VMware to VirtualBox](https://i0.wp.com/www.techwrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-76.png?resize=975%2C458&ssl=1)
Use the command below and press Enter in the PowerShell window. Change the path of the .vmx file you want to export and the destination of the new .ovf file, based on the respective paths in your system.
ovftool « F:\Setups\kali-linux-2023.2-vmware-amd64\kali-linux-2023.2-vmware-amd64.vmwarevm\kali-linux-2023.2-vmware-amd64.vmx » f:\Exported\KaliLinux.ovf
As soon as you run the command, the system will start writing the OVF package to the marked destination. Depending on the size of the VM, this may take a few minutes.
Read also: Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17
![Migrate from VMware to VirtualBox using PowerShell](https://i0.wp.com/www.techwrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-77.png?resize=975%2C562&ssl=1)
Note: If you are using the paid version (i.e. VMware Workstation Pro), you can also export the VM as an OVF file by going to Deposit then selecting Export to OVF. Just enter the OVF file name and path and you're done.
Now that you have successfully exported the OVF package to the desired location, launch VirtualBox and click Import Or File -> Import appliance.
In the Import a virtual appliance window, click the Browse button, select the exported OVF file, and then click Following.
![export to ovf in virtualbox](https://i0.wp.com/www.techwrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-78.png?resize=975%2C590&ssl=1)
The following screen shows the Device Settings. VirtualBox will show you all the VM settings. Leave them as they are; you can always modify them later. Click on Finishing continue.
![import a virtual appliance into virtualbox](https://i0.wp.com/www.techwrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-79.png?resize=975%2C589&ssl=1)
The import process will take some time. Once the import is complete, your imported virtual machine will be in the VirtualBox Manager VM. Select the VM and click To start to turn on the VM.
![vm virtual box manager](https://i0.wp.com/www.techwrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-80.png?resize=975%2C590&ssl=1)
You have successfully converted your VM from VMware to VirtualBox.
Troubleshooting Import Errors in VirtualBox
If you receive import errors, follow the steps below.
- Open the exported OVF file in Notepad, find all instances of “ElementName” and replace it with “Caption”.
- Find the “vmware.sata.ahci” instance and replace it with “AHCI”.
- Find the SHA1 hash value of the exported OVF file using this online tooland replace the old hash value with the new one found in the exported file. You can open it with any text editor.
Once you have finished editing, try importing again. This should resolve the import errors. Otherwise, you should probably start the above VMware to VirtualBox conversion process from scratch.
Read also: Introduction to Proxmox VE 8.1 – Part 1
Conclusion:
VMware and VirtualBox are excellent virtualization tools for Windows users. Depending on your preferences, you can use one or the other to try different operating systems or run risky software. You can easily export your favorite virtual machines – convert VMware to VirtualBox.
The references:
https://www.maketecheasier.com/convert-virtual-machines-vmware-virtualbox