Migrating from Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines to Google Cloud Compute Engine requires planning, validation, and the right tools. Google provides a native migration service that simplifies the process and reduces risk. This guide shows you exactly how to migrate Azure VMs to Compute Engine step by step.
Step 1: Assess Your Azure Virtual Machines
Before migrating anything, you must understand what you’re moving and how it behaves.
What to inventory
For each Azure VM, collect:
- VM size, region, and availability setup
- Operating system and licensing
- Disk type, size, and performance needs
- Network setup (public IPs, NSGs, firewalls)
- Dependencies on databases, storage, or other VMs
- Backup and disaster-recovery configuration
Recommended tool
Use Migration Center in Google Cloud to:
- Import Azure VM data
- Analyze compatibility
- Get service recommendations
This assessment phase prevents surprises during migration and downtime later.
Step 2: Plan Your Google Cloud Foundation
Before migrating workloads, your Google Cloud environment must be ready.
Key setup tasks
- Create Google Cloud projects
- Configure billing accounts
- Design VPC networks and subnets
- Set up IAM roles and service accounts
- Enable logging and monitoring
If your Azure and Google Cloud environments must communicate during migration, configure secure network connectivity between them.
Step 3: Enable “Migrate to Virtual Machines”
Google’s official migration service is Migrate to Virtual Machines.
This service:
- Replicates Azure VM disks
- Converts VM images to Compute Engine format
- Encrypts data automatically
- Supports live and offline migrations
Enable it by:
- Enabling the API in Google Cloud
- Creating a target project
- Assigning required IAM roles
- Registering Azure as a migration source
Use the correct Azure tenant ID, subscription ID, and client secret when configuring the source.
Incorrect credentials cause authentication failures.
Step 4: Replicate and Test the Azure VM
Now start the migration process.
You can migrate:
- A single VM (best for testing)
- A VM group (best for production)
Migration Flow:
- Replicate Azure VM disks
- Create a test instance in Compute Engine
- Validate application performance
- Perform final cutover
- Launch production Compute Engine instance
Always test before final cutover. Testing reduces downtime risk.
Step 5: Configure Networking and Access in Google Cloud
After migration, configure access properly.
Map Azure services to Google Cloud equivalents:
| Azure Service | Google Cloud Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Network Security Groups | VPC Firewall Rules |
| Azure Load Balancer | Cloud Load Balancing |
| Azure DNS | Cloud DNS |
| Azure DDoS Protection | Cloud Armor |
If you previously used public IPs for RDP or SSH, remove them. Use Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) for secure remote access instead.
This approach improves security and reduces exposure.
Step 6: Validate Workloads After Cutover
After migration:
- Confirm application functionality
- Verify database connections
- Monitor CPU, RAM, and disk performance
- Test failover and backup procedures
Do not decommission Azure resources until you confirm stability.
Keep rollback plans ready during early production use.
Step 7: Optimize Compute Engine Costs
Once workloads stabilize, optimize your environment.
- Resize machine types if overprovisioned
- Enable autoscaling if applicable
- Use committed use discounts for steady workloads
- Review disk performance tiers
Migration is not the end. Optimization improves long-term ROI.
Best Practices to Avoid Migration Failures
- Never delete Azure VMs during migration
- Always test before final cutover
- Migrate low-risk workloads first
- Keep rollback options ready
- Validate permissions carefully
Following these practices minimizes downtime and data loss.
FAQs
What is Azure VM to Google Compute Engine migration?
Azure VM to Google Compute Engine migration is the process of moving virtual machines from Microsoft Azure to Google Cloud’s Compute Engine platform.
What is the best tool to migrate Azure VMs to Google Cloud?
The best tool is Google Migrate to Virtual Machines, which safely replicates Azure VM disks and converts them for Compute Engine.
Can I migrate Azure VMs to Google Compute Engine without downtime?
Yes. You can minimize downtime by testing the migrated VM first and performing a controlled final cutover.
Does Google support live migration from Azure to Compute Engine?
Google supports near-live migration by continuously replicating Azure VM data until final cutover.
Are Azure VM disks automatically converted for Google Cloud?
Yes. Migrate to Virtual Machines automatically converts Azure disks into Compute Engine–compatible formats.
Do I need to shut down Azure VMs during migration?
No. Azure VMs should remain running until migration testing and final cutover complete.
Is data encrypted during Azure to Google Cloud migration?
Yes. Google encrypts all migration data at rest and in transit by default.
Can I migrate Windows and Linux Azure VMs?
Yes. Migrate to Virtual Machines supports both Windows and Linux operating systems.
Do I need public IPs after migrating to Google Compute Engine?
No. You can use Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) to access VMs securely without public IPs.
Should I delete Azure resources immediately after migration?
No. Keep Azure resources until you fully validate application stability on Compute Engine.
Is Azure VM to Google Compute Engine migration suitable for production workloads?
Yes. Google recommends phased migration and testing, which makes it suitable for production environments.
Migrating from Azure Virtual Machines to Google Compute Engine is not just a lift-and-shift—it’s an opportunity to improve reliability, security, and cost efficiency.
By using Migrate to Virtual Machines and following a phased approach, you can complete the migration safely with minimal disruption.
