Backup and Restore on Hyper-V

The following covers how to backup and restore using Hyper-V import and export functions, as well as how to create and restore using a checkpoint.

Backup and Restore with Export and Import functions

Hyper-V offers a function to export a virtual machine to disk. This export includes snapshots, Virtual Hard Disks, and the virtual machine itself. You can restore all of the data with the import functionality. For more information about the export and import functions, refer to the following Microsoft documentation:

• Export: Microsoft-hyper-v-export
• Import: Microsoft-hyper-v-import

Backup and Restore with a Checkpoint

The following sections provide instructions for creating and restoring a checkpoint.

A snapshot is not a full backup. It only saves the difference (delta) of your VM between two timestamps.

Attention!

Note that a checkpoint will not help if the server becomes corrupted and the VM is deleted.

Backup with a Checkpoint

Before you begin, ensure that the virtual machine you want to create a checkpoint is powered off.

To create a checkpoint:

1. Open the Microsoft Windows Admin Center, Server Manager
2. Choose Virtual machines from the Tools menu and mark the checkbox of your VM in the list.
   Make sure the selected machine is powered off, otherwise you cannot create a checkpoint.
3. Select the Inventory tab, click Manage and choose New checkpoint. A form opens: New virtual machine checkpoint
4. Define a checkpoint name, or leave the field blank so the current date and time are used as checkpoint name.
5. Confirm by clicking the Create checkpoint button.
6. A pop-up message validates the process.

Restore from a Checkpoint

1. Open the Microsoft Windows Admin Center, Server Manager
2. Choose Virtual machines from the Tools menu and mark the checkbox of your VM in the list.
3. Click on your VM and a new screen opens.
   
4. Scroll down to Checkpoints to view the list of created checkpoints. 
5. Mark the Checkpoint you want to use to restore.
   
6. Click on Apply in the tab above.

For further information, refer to the Microsoft documentation on Checkpoint-VM.