How to Export Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Virtual machines have become an essential tool for developers, testers, and IT professionals. They allow for the creation of multiple virtual environments on a single physical machine, making it easier to test applications, experiment with different operating systems, and isolate specific software configurations. One of the key features of virtual machines is the ability to export and import them, providing an efficient way to share and transfer virtual machines between different systems.

In this article, we will discuss how to export a virtual machine in Oracle VirtualBox, a popular virtualization software. We will also cover how to import a virtual machine and how to clone it, providing you with a comprehensive guide on managing virtual machines in VirtualBox.

How to Export Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Exporting a Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

The first step to exporting a virtual machine is to power down all running virtual machines and close the VirtualBox application. Once this is done, launch the VirtualBox application and go to Tools > Export Appliance. This will open the Export Virtual Appliance window.

In the Export Virtual Appliance window, select the virtual machine you want to export by clicking on Guided Mode and choosing the desired machine from the list. You can also select multiple virtual machines by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each virtual machine.

Next, configure the export settings by changing the file format, name, and network configurations. It is important to ensure that the format is set to Open Virtualization Format 1.0, as this is the standard format that can be imported into other virtualization software.

You can also modify the destination and name of the exported virtual machine. By default, the exported file will be saved in the same location as the virtual machine files. However, you can choose a different location by clicking on the folder icon next to the File field.

Additionally, you can choose to include the virtual machine's MAC address or select the default option. You also have the option to write a manifest file, which can be used to verify the integrity of the exported virtual machine. You can also include ISO image files by clicking on the Add button and selecting the desired ISO image.

Once you have configured all the settings, you can double-click on the lines to edit them further. Finally, click on the Export button to start the export process. The time it takes to export the virtual machine will depend on its size and your system's performance.

Importing a Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

To import a virtual machine in VirtualBox, open the application and go to Tools > Import Appliance. This will open the Import Virtual Appliance window.

In the Import Virtual Appliance window, click on the folder icon next to the File field and navigate to the location where you stored the.OVA file. Once you have selected the file, click on the Next button.

If necessary, you can make changes to the imported virtual machine's settings, such as the name, file format, and network configurations. Once you are satisfied with the settings, click on the Import button to start the import process.

Cloning a Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Another useful feature in VirtualBox is the ability to clone a virtual machine. This is especially useful if you want to create multiple copies of a virtual machine with the same settings and configurations.

To clone a virtual machine, open VirtualBox, shut down your machine, right-click on the virtual machine, and select Clone. In the Clone Virtual Machine window, you can choose between a full clone or a linked clone.

A full clone creates an exact copy of the original virtual machine, while a linked clone shares the virtual disks with the original machine. You can also choose to change the name and location of the cloned virtual machine.

Click on the Create button to start the cloning process. Once the cloning is complete, you will have a new virtual machine that is identical to the original.

In conclusion about How to Export Virtual Machine in VirtualBox, VirtualBox provides a user-friendly interface for managing virtual machines, allowing you to export, import, and clone virtual machines with ease. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily transfer virtual machines between different systems, create backups, and experiment with different configurations. This makes VirtualBox an essential tool for anyone working with virtual machines.