Error: "The destination network is the same as source network" when migrating VMs between DVS and Standard vSwitch

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to migrate Virtual Machines (VMs) from a Distributed Virtual Switch (DVS) port group to a Standard vSwitch (vSS) port group via the vSphere Client UI, the migration wizard is blocked.

The following error is displayed: "The destination network is the same as source network. Select a different network to proceed."

Environment

VMware vSphere 7.x
VMware vSphere 8.x
VMware vCenter Server 7.x
VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

This issue occurs when the source DVS port group and the destination Standard vSwitch port group share the exact same string name. The vSphere Client UI validates network migrations by comparing the display names of the source and destination networks rather than their underlying Managed Object Reference IDs (MoRefs). Due to the identical names, the UI logic assumes no network change is being requested and blocks the operation.

Resolution

Currently, this is expected behavior within the vSphere Client UI validation logic. To bypass this limitation, utilize the following workaround.

Workaround: Rename the Destination Port Group

1. Navigate to Menu > Networking in the vSphere Client.

2. Expand the Datacenter hierarchy and locate the target Standard vSwitch (vSS) port group.

3. Right-click the vSS port group and select Rename.

4. Append a temporary suffix (e.g., -temp, -vSS) to the port group name and click OK.

5. Navigate to DVS> DVS portgroup > Migrate VMs to Another Network

6. Select the temporarily renamed vSS port group as the destination and complete the migration wizard.

7. Right-click the vSS port group in the Networking inventory, select Rename, and revert to the original exact string name.

Additional Information

For general command-line migration guidance between vSwitch types, refer to Broadcom KB 376245: Moving host from DVS to Standard Switch.