#Tech Tips# Hot Migration from VMware Workstation to Sangfor HCI Using Only HCI Manager – Is It Supported?
  

George Fady Lv2Posted 2026-Jul-14 17:39

After reviewing the available Sangfor documentation and migration methods, the answer is No.
A hot/live migration from VMware Workstation directly to Sangfor HCI using only the HCI Manager GUI is not supported.

Why?

  • Import VM supports only cold migration after exporting the VM as an OVF/VMA file.

  • Manage Migration supports hot migration but requires a VMware vCenter environment. VMware Workstation is not a supported source.

  • SCMT (Sangfor Cloud Migration Tool) supports hot migration, including agent-based migration, but it requires deploying the SCMT appliance and using its dedicated web interface instead of HCI Manager.

  • P2V Converter supports live migration only for Windows systems and does not support Linux VMs such as Kali Linux.


Recommended Approach
If hot migration is required from a VMware Workstation VM, the recommended solution is to use SCMT with agent-based migration:

  • Deploy the SCMT appliance on the HCI cluster.

  • Install the SCMT agent on the source VM.

  • Complete the migration through the SCMT web interface.


If downtime is acceptable, exporting the VM as an OVF/VMA and importing it through HCI Manager remains the simplest GUI-based migration method.

Has anyone implemented a different supported workflow for migrating Linux VMs from VMware Workstation to Sangfor HCI? I'd be interested in hearing your experience and recommendations.

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Muhammad Shiraz Lv2Posted 2026-Jul-15 13:22
  
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Humayun Ahmed Lv4Posted 2026-Jul-15 12:19
  
Thanks to share!
Prosi Lv3Posted 2026-Jul-15 11:09
  
Hi,
When planned downtime is received, exporting virtual machines as OVF/OVA (or VMA, if applicable) and importing them via Sangfor HCI Manager is one of the simplest GUI-based migration methods.
Sangfor Jojo Lv5Posted 2026-Jul-15 10:33
  
Genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.