StarWind V2V Converter can convert a VHD virtual disk to VMDK, but choose the output type for the VMware destination before starting: Workstation VMDK variants are not compatible with ESXi Server. The conversion handles the disk file, not its snapshot chain. StarWind describes the utility as free to download; its guide distinguishes the available formats, but the exact current wizard screens should be confirmed in the installed release.
Check the source and VMware destination
Confirm that you have a virtual disk file such as .vhd, and identify whether you will attach the result to VMware Workstation or an ESXi host. StarWind lists support for fixed and dynamic VHD files, as well as fixed and dynamic VHDX files. A fixed disk allocates its capacity when created; a dynamic disk grows its file as data is added. StarWind’s virtual disk file documentation lists the supported input and output formats.
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Keep the original VHD intact and, when practical, perform the conversion from a copy. This is a general data-handling precaution, not a stated StarWind requirement.
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Choose the VMDK type that matches the destination
StarWind documents three VMDK types for ESXi and two for Workstation. The decisive difference is compatibility: its Workstation variants are explicitly marked as not compatible with ESXi Server.
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- 10Gbps NVMe Enclosure: With the latest USB 3.2 Gen2, this M.2 enclosure can achieve a data transfer rate of 10Gbps. Backward compatible with USB 3.1 and USB 3.0. Note: 10G speeds need to be matched with a USB C 3.2 GEN2 data cable
- Tool-free SSD Enclosure: Tool-free NVMe SSD enclosure for quick and easy installation. Plug and play, no drivers required. The buckle design of the M.2 SSD enclosure can ensure stable and fast transfer
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| Destination | Output choice | Allocation or use |
|---|---|---|
| VMware Workstation | Growable or pre-allocated VMDK | Growable allocates space on demand; pre-allocated reserves it when the disk is created. |
| VMware ESXi | Growable (thin), pre-allocated, or stream-optimized VMDK | Thin/growable allocates space on demand; pre-allocated reserves it at creation. Stream-optimized is a monolithic sparse format described for OVF packages. |
These format descriptions and the Workstation-to-ESXi compatibility warning come from StarWind’s virtual disk file documentation. Its specifications list VMDK files for ESXi 5.x or later and remote ESXi connections for 5.5 or later; confirm the requirements for your actual VMware environment before converting. StarWind’s specifications provide those version details.
Convert with the graphical interface
StarWind’s help includes a page titled “Converting to VMDK,” but the procedure text is not available in the retrieved page content. For that reason, the exact current button names and screen sequence cannot be stated reliably here. Use the installed version’s wizard, selecting the VHD as the source, VMDK as the output, and the type appropriate to Workstation or ESXi as established above. The vendor describes V2V Converter as a utility for converting or cloning virtual disks and VMs between formats, including VHD/VHDX and VMDK. StarWind’s product overview describes its purpose, and the VMDK conversion help page is the relevant place to check for steps in the installed release.
Rank #2
- Tool free design, easy to install,Transfer Rates Up to 480 Mbps when connected to a USB 2.0 port,Transfer Rates Up to 5 Gbps when connected to a USB 3.0 port.
- Suitable for 2.5” SATA/SSD;Supports Standard Notebook 2.5″ SATA and SATA II Hard drives
- Optimized for SSD, Supports UASP SATA III,Backwards-Compatible with USB 2.0 or 1.1
- Hot-swappable, plug and play, no drivers needed
- Operating System:Supported Operating Systems:Mac,Windows;Supported Windows Versions :Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP; Supported Mac Versions: Mac OS X and Higher
- Identify the source VHD and confirm the VMware destination.
- Select a destination-compatible VMDK format and decide whether space should be allocated on demand or in advance.
- Run the conversion using the options shown by your installed version.
- Check that the output file exists, then attach or test it in the intended VMware environment before relying on it.
There is no documented universal conversion duration or success test in the cited material, so allow for the disk’s size and your environment and validate the resulting disk with the destination product.
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StarWind documents running its console in an elevated Command Prompt. The documented output identifiers are:
Rank #3
- ENCLOSURE ONLY, SSD NOT INCLUDED: This is the case you put your own M.2 SSD into, not a drive with storage inside. 100% tool-free, so the SSD installs and comes out in seconds with no screwdriver.
- FITS M.2 NVMe AND SATA: Works with both M.2 PCIe NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs in 2242, 2260 and 2280 lengths. Bare drives only, no room for a drive with a pre-installed heatsink. It does NOT take 2.5in SATA drives or mSATA.
- 10GBPS USB 3.2 TYPE-C: Up to 10Gbps, and up to 1000MB/s in real transfers. Backward compatible with USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 at their own speed limits. Bus powered, no drivers and no external power supply.
- SLIM ALUMINUM BUILD: Ultra-slim aluminum case with an ABS frame, with a thermal pad to move heat off the drive. Light enough to live in a laptop bag, solid enough to survive it.
- IN THE BOX: Enclosure, 8in Type-C to Type-C cable and user manual. Works with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.5 or later and Linux. Register on the manufacturer's website for extended warranty service.
ft_vmdk_ws_thin— growable Workstation VMDKft_vmdk_ws_thick— pre-allocated Workstation VMDKft_vmdk_esx_thin— thin ESXi VMDKft_vmdk_esx— thick, pre-allocated ESXi VMDKft_vmdk_so— stream-optimized VMDK
The documented syntax takes an input filename, output filename, and output file type; remote server options are also available. Consult StarWind’s CLI documentation for the current command syntax and option details rather than assuming a command path or remote configuration.
Plan separately for snapshots and remote files
StarWind’s specifications state that snapshots from files do not get converted. Converting a VHD file therefore should not be treated as migrating a VM’s complete snapshot or checkpoint chain; plan separately for any state you need to preserve. The specifications page states this limitation.
Rank #4
- Flip-Open Tool-Free Design: Open the cover, insert your NVMe SSD, lock it in place, and close—no screws or tools required. Fast and simple for upgrades, cloning, troubleshooting, and portable tech work.
- Cooler 10Gbps Performance: The aluminum enclosure presses the thermal pad directly against your SSD for better heat transfer and more stable 10Gbps speeds than slide-in enclosures. Ideal for long transfers and heavy workloads.
- NVMe Only for Maximum Speed: Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 up to at least 8TB. Not compatible with M.2 SATA SSDs.
- USB C Plug-and-Play: Connect with USB C for up to 10Gbps using USB 3.2 Gen 2. No drivers or external power needed. Works with laptops, desktops, gaming handhelds, and USB C devices.
- Portable and Durable Aluminum Build: Reinforced ABS frame with an aluminum alloy top keeps your SSD protected and cool. Slim, lightweight, and perfect for creators, gamers, and anyone needing fast portable storage.
The help also describes converting ESXi and Hyper-V server files without first copying them to the machine running the utility, with data transfer handled through the conversion process. It says the resulting disk can be attached to an existing VM or written to a specified server directory. See the virtual disk file documentation for remote handling details.
Check the installed release
Release notes list Version 9 (848), dated 24 November 2025, with batch VM conversion and improvements to Azure and AWS conversion. That is a dated release-note entry, not confirmation that build 848 is the latest download today. Check StarWind’s release notes for version context and verify the options in the copy you install.
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Best Value
- Feature - BENFEI Type-C/Type-A 2.5 inch Hard Drive Enclosure easily hook up your 2.5 inch SATA I/II/III hard drive to transfer files from one PC to another PC, laptop, PS4 or as a USB external hard drive.
- Speed - Up to 5 Gbps data transfer rate with supports UASP SATA III transmission protocol, which is 70% faster than traditional USB3.0. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 or 1.1 ports.
- Design - With USB Type-C/Type-A plug design, provide a easy connection option to laptop/phone/pad. Tool free installation, Plug & Play, No driver needed for this SATA enclosure. Just push out the cover, plug in the drive, close the cover and go. Hot-Swappable.
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