Migration Operations Blocked for Offline VMs Due to Active Third-Party Backup Jobs

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• The migrate option is grayed out on a virtual machine in vSphere Client.
• You cannot migrate a powered-off virtual machine.
• From the backup software UI, the backup job status is stuck at 0% completed

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x

Cause

This behavior is by design. A virtual machine backup job is currently in progress or is in a hung state. When a third-party backup application initiates a backup utilizing the vSphere Storage APIs for Data Protection (VADP), it places a lock on the virtual machine and its underlying disks to ensure data consistency during the snapshot and disk read phases.

Resolution

To resolve this issue and restore the ability to migrate the affected virtual machine, the active backup lock must be released from the backup software side.

1. Log in to the management console or UI of your third-party backup software.

2. Identify the active backup job targeting the affected virtual machine.

3. Depending on the job status, perform one of the following:

   • If the job is running normally and actively transferring data, await for the backup job to finish.

   • If the job is hung (e.g., status 0% completed for an extended period), manually stop or cancel the backup job from the backup software UI.

4. Once the backup software confirms the job is stopped or completed, return to the vSphere Client.

5. Click Refresh in the vSphere Client UI.

6. Right-click the virtual machine. The Migrate option should now be available.