How to Restore Windows Server Backup to Virtual Machine

Amy Dennis

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Take Data Backup • Proven solutions

It is very obvious that in this technologically advanced era, data is very valuable to everyone. Such issues do stress you out a lot. Luckily, in this guide, you will have a facile solution to your situation. You have a total of two remarkable methods to get rid of this situation efficiently. Not only that, but you will also have the causes behind the use of a virtual machine by a majority of people around the world. In short, every question in your mind about the virtual machine is answered in the guide, you just need to read the guide with concern. Make sure you go through both the methods carefully. We will be using third-party software too.

Part 1: Why you need to restore windows server backup to a virtual machine?

There are multiple conditions and reasons for conducting a task like restoring windows server backup to a virtual machine. Getting to know about the reason for which a vast amount of people use virtual machines surely enhances the significance of the task. The virtual machine is utilized by millions of people around the world. The virtual machine is an emulation of a computer system, they are based on computer architectures and provide the functionality of a physical computer. These are a few of the reasons why you need to restore windows server backup to the virtual machine;

1. For system safety

The primary concern of anyone to restore windows server backup to a virtual machine is to secure the system. people suggest using a virtual machine for software testing. This is because the Microsoft virtual machine converter (MVMC) can aid in converting a physical computer to Hyper-V virtual machine.

2. For data safety

Apart from the system, the majority of the population is also concerned about the safety of their data. As windows server backup supports restoring a bare metal backup of windows server 2008/2012/2016 to any of the virtual machines. This accessibility is the reason that people prefer securing data through this means.

Part 2: How to restore windows server backup to a virtual machine?

This is the main part of the guide where you will be given some of the most suitable methods to restore windows server backup to the virtual machine. There are primarily two methods to conduct this task. In one of those methods, we will be using third-party software for our ease. Plus, windows built-in tools will also come in play to restore windows server backup to the virtual machine. All you are required to do is to follow all the methods step by step;

Method 1: Create a Virtual Machine from Windows server backup

In the first method, we will be utilizing the Windows built-in tool known as windows server backup. This method is not quite stiff, but you need to make sure that you follow all the steps with great concern. In this method, you are prone to encounter an error or cannot locate the image backup while configuring the restore. However, you need to make sure that you have created the bare metal backup of your source server with windows server backup, you need to install it in the server manager.

Once you have completed the creation of bare metal backup, you are required to move the image backup of the source server to the virtual disk of the virtual machine that you want to store it too. Just keep in mind that windows server bare metal backup needs a WinPE environment to be performed in. Before jumping to any of the steps below, make sure you boot your virtual machine from a Windows installation disk or even ISO file. Now, follow the steps carefully to restore the physical server to the virtual machine effortlessly;

Step 1: Wait for the windows setup to load properly. Once it is loaded, select the option of "Repair your computer", Don't choose the option "Install now".

Step 2: You will be given a set of instructions. You need to follow them and select "Restore your computer using a system image that you created earlier"

Step 3: A new screen will open up, here you need to locate the source server image backup and then choose this option. You can also enjoy the utility of Image backup on a network location.

Step 4: If you want, you can specify additional recovery options. Then, you will have a screen which will ask for your confirmation. Choose the option "Yes" and you can start this restoring process. This might take some time.

Method 2: Easier way to restore windows server backup to the virtual machine

Now that you have used windows built-in tools, you would have realized that it still lacks some of the significant features. However, this method consists the third-party software which can give you a vast number of features to cherish. This is surely an easier and efficient way to restore windows server backup to a virtual machine. In this method, you need to utilize the mesmerizing AOMEI Backupper;

AOMEI Backupper

AOMEI Backupper is the perfect software for this task. It also contains all features of the Standard Edition, provides complete and reliable PC backup and restore strategies for any of the windows version. System Clone, Backup Scheme, Dynamic Disk Backup, Dissimilar Hardware Restore, Merge Images, etc. and many other diverse and useful features are available. Not only the backup, but the software allows you to an auto-sync USB drive when connected with File Sync. The software is compatible with almost every operating system. There are a vast number of functions that this software contains. You can conduct incremental or differential backup for the scheduled task, this software allows you to set backup schedules as hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. Now that you are aware of its diversity, you can utilize it to restore windows server backup to virtual machine properly;

Step 1: Firstly, you need to download and install the amazing AOMEI Backupper. Now, run the AOMEI Backupper on your virtual machine. If you want, you can also have the option to boot your destination server from the bootable media.

Step 2: Furthermore, in the main interface you need to click "restore" and select the image task option to find the system image. After that, you need to select to restore a part of the entire backup.

Step 3: After click "Next", you can preview the operation summary and then click start restoring to initiate your process.

Conclusion

In this guide, you were given two of the finest methods to restore windows server backup to the virtual machine. However, you can easily realize the AOMEI Backupper gives you a much easier way to do that. Whenever you need to perform any task, make sure that you are using the finest software in the market. If you fail to do that, you will simply waste your time.