Exporting ESXi virtual machines is one of the built-in VMware features that can be used for data migration or as an ESX backup solution. Typically, you can export a virtual machine in ESXi as an OVF template that captures the state of the virtual machine or virtual appliance and stores it in a self-contained package where the disk files are stored in a compressed format.
In general, exporting and importing VMs is suitable for the following scenarios.
1. Rapidly deploying a virtual machine using an exported virtual machine template.
2. Migrating virtual machines from one host to another.
3. Backing up virtual machines for archiving.
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to export virtual machines via ESXi. If you need to export more than one VM at a time, you can also use the ESXi command line to complete the operation.
How to Export/Import VMs via ESXi ?
You can export virtual machines from vSphere client (vCenter Appliance) or ESXi management console. The following is an example of how to export a virtual machine from ESXi with ESXi 6.7.
Before proceeding, ensure that.
The virtual machine does not have any snapshots.
The virtual machine or vApp is powered off.
Steps for exporting a VM from ESXi
1. Log in to ESXi 6.7 with your username and IP address. Make sure that the virtual machine you plan to export is powered off.
2. Locate the virtual machine you want to export in the VMs table > right-click on it > select Export
3. In the window that opens, select the relevant files (such as .ov, .vmdk and .mf) > click OK
4. Specify the target location for storing the files > check the local path and exported files
Importing Virtual Machines via ESXi
After exporting a virtual machine, you can register a new virtual machine in VMware by importing a virtual machine through ESXi, for the purpose of downgrading a virtual machine or migrating a virtual machine from one host to another.
1. Click the Create/Register Virtual Machine option
2. Select Deploy VM from OVF or OVA template > click Next
3. Enter the name of the virtual machine > select the previously exported .ovf or .vmdk file > click Next
4. Follow the prompts to complete the subsequent basic settings, you can use the exported OVF template to create new virtual machines.
Conclusion
Exporting ESXi virtual machines is useful for rapid deployment, migration, and backup. The process involves exporting a VM as an OVF template and can be done via the vSphere client or ESXi management console.