Can Win 10 w/Parallels be restored to a new MBP?

[ascender]

I’m thinking of replacing my MBP with a new one, but would want to restore my Windows 10 VM as I need it for some key software.

What are my options for restoring this VM as I’m aware that Win 10 is much less flexible than MacOS when it comes to transferring it to a new machine.

Would a Time Machine backup of EVERYTHING restore ok to a new machine?

I have a CCC backup - would that work?

Or could I just install Parallels on the new machine and the copy the VM file over?

Thanks!

 

[belvdr]

If it's a Parallels virtual machine that's sitting on the macOS disk, usually in your Documents folder, then simply copy that to your new machine. Then in Parallels Desktop on the new machine, hit Open and select the file.

 

[ascender]

If it's a Parallels virtual machine that's sitting on the macOS disk, usually in your Documents folder, then simply copy that to your new machine. Then in Parallels Desktop on the new machine, hit Open and select the file.

I was hoping it was that simple... Does Windows not detect the new laptop as a new machine, or does the fact it’s a VM get around that hardware authentication issue?

 

[belvdr]

I was hoping it was that simple... Does Windows not detect the new laptop as a new machine, or does the fact it’s a VM get around that hardware authentication issue?

The hypervisor masks a bunch of that. The VM config is located within the file, so not much is going to change.

 

[ascender]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

 

[jzuena]

It might detect a network card change since the new machine will probably assign a different Ethernet MAC address. You can try manually setting it to the same address so Windows won’t see a difference.

If the CPU architecture is different on the new Mac, Parallels can’t hide that and Windows will detect the hardware change. You would have to call Microsoft and have them reset your license key so you can re-activate on your new Mac.

 

[jzuena]

If you have a full retail version of Windows (which you probably do to install with Parallels) Microsoft should be good about helping you reset your license and reactivate it on the new machine. They won’t help with copies of Windows that came with new PCs.

If nothing else, Windows will still work if not activated. I have Windows 10 installed to work in Bootcamp and Fusion. It was an upgrade from Windows 7 so it activates when I boot fully in Bootcamp and remains unactivated in Fusion. There are a few personalization menus that won’t work in Fusion, but that’s how I mainly use it. I should have activated it as a VM and let it complain in Bootcamp, but I didn’t think of it at the time!

 

[belvdr]

It might detect a network card change since the new machine will probably assign a different Ethernet MAC address. You can try manually setting it to the same address so Windows won’t see a difference.

If the CPU architecture is different on the new Mac, Parallels can’t hide that and Windows will detect the hardware change. You would have to call Microsoft and have them reset your license key so you can re-activate on your new Mac.

My MAC address did not change. I didn't have any activation issues either. I'm not sure much has changed in the CPU for Windows to care.

 

[ascender]

I've taken the plunge and picked up a 15" so I'll have to try this out for myself very shortly.

 

[belvdr]

I've taken the plunge and picked up a 15" so I'll have to try this out for myself very shortly.

Let us know how it works out and if you have any issues.

 

[ascender]

Its worked first time, thanks for the advice. I've been burned with Windows 10 activation issues in the past, but this was very easy.

Thanks all.