One or more embodiments provide techniques for promoting a linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an instruction to promote the linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. The method also includes creating a second base disk for the linked clone virtual machine. The method includes installing a mirror driver between the first delta disk and the second base disk. The method includes copying the contents of the first delta disk to the second base disk with the mirror driver. After the contents of the first delta disk have been copied to the second base disk, the method includes removing the mirror driver and operating the linked clone virtual machine as a full clone virtual machine on the second base disk.