EC2 image import fails with error: "ClientError: Unsupported kernel version 5.15.0-1031-aws"

Hi,

Thanks for contacting us. My name is Sean with AWS Premium Support. You are trying to import an Ubuntu image but you've received the error "ClientError: Unsupported kernel version 5.15.0-1031-aws"

You're right to note that kernel version 5.15 is supported for Ubuntu (22.04 only)[1]. However, the kernel minor version ".0-1031-aws" indicates that it may include additional modules and configurations that are not supported by VM Import's specific requirements. The best kernel to use for imports is usually the "generic" subversion of the listed kernel version. If you're able to import using that kernel, that would be the first suggested solution.

Alternatively, you may also have some success by importing the source server's disks as EBS snapshots[2]. Once you've done that, you could create an AMI from the snapshot.[3]

If you have a large number of instances to migrate, and they are all using this kernel, I advise that you create a Premium Support case. This will help our internal teams assess demand for the support of additional kernel versions.

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any other questions.

Reference: [1] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vm-import/latest/userguide/prerequisites.html#vmimport-operating-systems-linux
[2] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vm-import/latest/userguide/vmimport-import-snapshot.html
[3] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/creating-an-ami-ebs.html#creating-launching-ami-from-snapshot

For kernels not supported by VM Import, you can do a Snapshot Import.

Snapshot import does not check kernel version. As it does not inject the necessary drivers for your OS to run on AWS, you will need to install them in your OS. These are Xen PV drivers and NVMe/ENA drivers for HVM and Nitro instance types respectively.

You can use the script at Why is my Linux instance not booting after I changed its type to a Nitro-based instance type? to ensure your OS works with Nitro instance types.

To assist with trouble-shooting after importing, you can enable Serial Console. Note that this is only supported on Nitro instance types.