If you are trying to replicate a virtual machine in Oracle VirtualBox, you have two options: Export and import to a separate computer or Create a clone. In this post, we will see how you can export, import, and clone Virtual Machine in VirtualBox.
Before you go ahead and export, import, or clone Virtual Machine in VirtualBox, we need to keep the following things in check. First of all, ensure that you have the latest version of VirtualBox, for that navigate to File > Check for Updates. If any updates are available, go ahead and install them.
Once you have installed the updates, it is recommended that you shut down all active virtual machines and close VirtualBox. This helps to minimize conflicts and ensure that the virtual machine is exported correctly.
How to Export Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
To export a VM in Oracle VirtualBox, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
- As mentioned earlier, power down all the VMs and close the VirtualBox application.
- After a few minutes, launch the VirtualBox application, and go to Tools > Export Appliance.
- Now, click on Guided Mode.
- You then have to select the machine you want to export and proceed by clicking on the Next button to open the Appliance Settings panel.
- In the Appliance settings panel, we need to configure the export. So, change the resulting file format, choose a file name for the export, and define whether you want to retain the MAC addresses and other network configurations.
- In case, you don’t want to change anything, stick to the preset option. Ensure that the Format field is set to Open Virtualization Format 1.0.
- In the field labeled “File”, you need to modify both the export’s destination and name. By default, the file will be exported to the Documents folder and will bear the same name as your VM.
- Now, go ahead and select the MAC address or just stick to the default option which includes only NAT network adapter MAC addresses.
- Ensure to select Write Manifest File and opt for Include ISO Image Files if you prefer not to download the ISO files again in the future. Subsequently, click ‘Next’ to proceed to the Virtual System Settings panel.
- In the Virtual system settings, double-click on the lines you want to edit and mention all the required details.
- Finally, click on Finish to complete your request and start exporting.
This may require you to be patient as it will take some time.
How to Import Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Importing is easier than exporting as you don’t have to select all the options we did earlier. To import a VDI, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
- First of all, open VirtualBox, and go to Tools > Import Appliance.
- Click on the Browse icon next to File, and navigate to the location where you stored your .OVA file and select it.
- Click on Next.
- If required, make changes to the mentioned options and click on Finish.
Hopefully, this will do the job for you.
How to Clone Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Finally, let us see how you can clone a Virtual Machine. A VM clone refers to a copy of a virtual machine. The original virtual machine is referred to as the parent while the newly created one is called the clone. Once the cloning process is complete, the clone VM operates as an independent virtual machine. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.
- Open VirtualBox.
- Shut down your machine.
- Right-click on your Virtual Machine and select Clone.
- Now, give a name, set a path, and select a clone type. If you are not sure what to select, select Full Clone and keep the rest of the options unchanged.
- Finally, click on Finish.
Let it clone your machine as it might take some time.
That’s it!
Read: How to convert Virtual Machine to Physical Machine?
How do I export and import VirtualBox VM?
It’s pretty simple to export and import VirtualBox’s VMs. You can open the app go to Tools and then select Export Appliance or Import Appliance. If you want to move your VM to a different device, export it, and copy the .OVA file that’s created as a result, and then send it to the desired device. To know how to do all export and import, check out the guide mentioned earlier.
Read: How to speed up a VirtualBox Virtual Machine and make it run faster?
How do you clone a virtual machine in VirtualBox?
VirtualBox provides you with a utility to easily clone your virtual machines. You need to open VirtualBox, right-click on the machine, and select Clone. Enter the asked information and then click on Finish, it’s that simple.
Also Read: Import, export, or clone Virtual Machines in Hyper-V.
