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Migrating virtual machines between Hyper-V hosts using the Export/Import feature in Hyper-V

One of the benefits of virtualization is your ability to migrate a VM to another host. Whereas with a physical server, you would have to install the OS, applications, drivers, and then migrate the data, you can simply migrate the VM in the virtual world.

 

To begin the migration, shut down the virtual machine.

 

Access the Hyper-V Manager that controls the VM.

 

Right click the VM that you want to export and click Export.

 

Provide a path to save the VM. Remember, if this VM has snap shots, all that data will be exported as well. Make sure you have sufficient disk space.

 

Click Export.

 

While the VM is exporting, you will see the Cancel Exporting option in the Actions pane of the VM.

 

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You will also see the Cancel Exporting option if you right mouse click the VM.

 

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Once Exporting is complete, these options will go away.

 

Transfer the exported files to their new home.

 

One Hyper-V Manager, in the Actions pane, click Import Virtual Machine.

 

Browse to the location where you stored the VM. Click on the parent folder of the exported VM. Do not open it. Click Select Folder.

 

Click Import.

 

If all goes well, your virtual machine with import into Hyper-V and be ready to start. Of course you may want to adjust the settings if needed since it is on a new host.

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