Virtual Machine Export / Migration from Azure to Hyper-V On-Premises

Steven Rodriguez 0

I am preparing to migrate 2 VM's currently in Azure back to an on-premises Hyper-V server. From the documentation I have read, I see that you can export the .VHD, however I cannot find anything with regards to how to export the .VMCX (Virtual Machine File). From my understanding, this file would be necessary to preserve the machine ID in order to prevent software reactivations do to the "hardware change". What is the proper way to handle this?

2 answers

Anonymous

2023-09-26T15:35:47.4566667+00:00

You probably don't even need the XML file. You could create a new VM on with an identical configuration as existing, then when you get to step Connect Virtual Hard Disk choose Use an existing virtual hard disk and point to the VHD.

--please don't forget to close up the thread here by marking answer if the reply is helpful--
Please sign in to rate this answer.

1 person found this answer helpful.
Steven Rodriguez 0 Reputation points

2023-09-26T15:39:09.09+00:00

Yes, that was my plan. However I'm almost certain that doing it that way would trigger a "hardware change" in the VM as it would not preserve its machine ID, a new one would be generated and my concern is that will make all the applications installed request re-relicensing.

Anonymous

2023-09-26T15:43:46.3666667+00:00

Ok, no clue about that but I'd think no harm in trying it. If it didn't work then delete and go to plan B.

Anonymous

2023-09-27T12:38:03.3033333+00:00

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to close up the thread here by marking answer if the reply is helpful--

Steven Rodriguez 0 Reputation points

2023-09-27T12:39:30.0733333+00:00

No, I'm waiting for someone to reply on if/how it is even possible to export the .VMCX file from an Azure VM.

Ryan Hill 27,686 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2023-09-27T19:59:46.0466667+00:00

I'm assuming Export-VM -Name MyVm -Path c:\myvm.vmcx from PowerShell did not work @Steven Rodriguez . Send me an email to AzCommunity[at]microsoft[dot]com ATTN: Ryan with your subscription id.
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
Ryan Hill 27,686 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2023-09-26T15:29:27.02+00:00

Hi @Steven Rodriguez

The .VMCX file is an XML file of the machine configuration. So, you should be able to use Export-VM -Name \<vm name\> -Path \<path\> to export the VM as a .VMCX file.

Comment down below if that file doesn't work.
Please sign in to rate this answer.
Steven Rodriguez 0 Reputation points

2023-09-26T15:31:58.6933333+00:00

Hi Ryan, it looks like those steps are to export the VMCX file on an on-prem Hyper V server. I am looking to export the VMCX from the Azure VM

Ryan Hill 27,686 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2023-09-26T16:13:30.9966667+00:00

I realize that. You should still be able to run that command on the VM itself in PowerShell. The Export-AzureVM command just basically captures machine state and resources. Don't think that will help. If you can't run Export-VM on the VM or even as a runbook or you run it and it doesn't contain the information you're looking for, then let me know. We'll need work more closely with you.
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.

Share via

Virtual Machine Export / Migration from Azure to Hyper-V On-Premises

2 answers

Your answer