Changing the virtual SCSI controller of a virtual machine

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides the steps to change the virtual SCSI controller for the Windows guest operating systems.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 5.x VMware vCenter Server 5.x VMware vCenter Server 6.x VMware vCenter Sever 7.x VMware vCenter Sever 8.x  VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Resolution

Notes:

• Before performing these steps, ensure that there are no snapshots in the virtual machine. 
• For information on choosing the correct SCSI controller, see the Broadcom Compatibility Guide.

To change a virtual machine's SCSI controller when the guest operating system is already installed:

1. Power down the virtual machine.
2. Right-click the virtual machine and click Edit Settings.
3. Click the SCSI controller.
4. Click Change Type.
5. Select the controller type and click OK.
6. Click OK to finish editing the properties of the virtual machine.
7. Power on the virtual machine.

If the virtual machine fails to boot:

1. Power down the virtual machine.
2. Change the first controller back to the original SCSI controller.
3. Add a new hard disk. When choosing the Virtual Device Node, select SCSI (1:0).
   
   Note: When the virtual disk is created, it creates a second virtual SCSI controller.
   
   
4. Select the second virtual SCSI controller.
5. Click Change Type.
6. Select the controller type and click OK.
7. Click OK to finish editing the properties of the virtual machine.
8. Power on the virtual machine.
9. After the operating system boots, log in to the virtual machine. The operating system automatically detects the new SCSI controller and adds the appropriate drivers.
10. Power down the virtual machine.
11. Remove the added virtual disk. The controller is removed automatically.
12. Change the first virtual controller to the desired setting.
13. Power on the virtual machine.

Notes:

• Additional guest operating system specific steps may be required. The steps within the operating system after a virtual hardware change are the same as for a physical hardware change. For more information, see the appropriate software vendor documentation.