StarWind Free V2V Converter for Windows

StarWind Free V2V Converter is a free utility designed for converting virtual machines (VMs) and physical machines into various virtual formats. It supports multiple VM disk formats, including VMDK, VHD/VHDX, QCOW2, and StarWind's native IMG. It facilitates both virtual-to-virtual (V2V) and physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversions, allowing transitions between different hypervisors such as VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM-based platforms.

StarWind Free V2V Converter offers features like live VM conversion between ESXi and Hyper-V, and the ability to convert VMs to the QCOW2v3 format, which supports larger disk images and improved performance. It also includes a command-line interface for automated operations.

Convert anything, migrate live

StarWind Free V2V Converter accommodates a range of VM disk formats, including VMDK, VHD/VHDX, QCOW2, and StarWind's native IMG. This compatibility enables conversions across various hypervisors like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM-based platforms. The tool’s flexibility allows V2V and P2V migrations, facilitating transitions between different virtual environments and physical systems. Additionally, it supports conversions to and from cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.

It supports live VM conversions between ESXi and Hyper-V. This functionality allows for the migration of running virtual machines without the need for downtime, which can be crucial for maintaining service availability during transitions. By enabling live migrations, the tool reduces disruption during infrastructure changes. However, slow conversion speeds can occur in some scenarios, which can prolong the overall migration process despite the benefit of continuous availability.

The converter includes a command-line interface (CLI) that permits automated and scripted operations. This feature helps in batch processing or integration into existing automation workflows. The CLI supports all the formats and conversion scenarios available in the graphical interface, providing flexibility for different preferences and operational needs. However, communication errors can occur during the conversion process, potentially disrupting automated scripts and requiring manual intervention.

Does what it claims to do

StarWind Free V2V Converter covers a range of conversion scenarios, supporting common disk formats and major hypervisors. It handles V2V and P2V tasks, with additional support for public cloud platforms. Features like live VM migration and command-line automation expand its capabilities, though performance inconsistencies and occasional communication errors require attention. It’s a tool that performs targeted conversions with flexibility, but it does not fully address speed, stability, or process transparency.

• Added live VM conversion
• Direct migration from oVirt hosts
• Enhanced user experience
• CLI enhancements
• Optimized disk format conversion