Clone a virtual machine on a different system

Question

Hello,

I want to make a 1:1 copy of some Virtual Machines from system A and import them on a different system B using Hyper-V. Some have Windows Server 2016, Some Windows 10.

I was wondering, will the Product ID be the same on both virtual machines after import?

How can I proceed to change it and license the virtual machines that I will import on system B, so that I don't violate any license agreement or anything like that?

I know, it would be easier to create a new VM and just import some databases and stuff, but I was wondering if it is possible and what is the legal path to "clone" a VM and use it on a different system?

Thank you,

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for the answer.

My issue is that I actually want both of the VMs to be functional in parallel, not just to move the VM to another host.

I want a 1:1 copy of the VM taken at some point in time, move it to a "test system" so I can try some stuff and then implement them on the actual system.

So both of them will be running at the same time, that is why I am asking if I will have problems because both will have the same Product ID, License key, etc.

And then maybe 4 months later, take another copy of the latest state of the VM, import it again on the "test system", and do some stuff.. And so on..

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Elise, and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

The license in the virtual machine will just stay the same, so it doesn't really make any difference which device is hosting it. You shouldn't really have to do anything after you copy the VM files to the new host.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Kind Regards,

Elise