Solved Import types when importing VM?

I'm importing a VM from my previous Windows installation and during import wizard one of the steps are unknown to me, see screenshot:



Can you explain what each of these options do?
Perhaps some docs on it?

From:

• Register
  • If you have a virtual machine were you have already put all of the virtual machine files exactly where you want them, and you just need Hyper-V to start using the virtual machine where it is – this is the option you want to choose.
• Restore
  • If your virtual machine files are stored on a file share / removable drive / etc… and you want Hyper-V to move the files to the appropriate location for you, and then register the virtual machine – this is the option for you.
• Copy
  • If you have a set of virtual machine files that you want to import multiple times (e.g. you are using them as a template for new virtual machines) this is what you want to choose. This will copy the files to an appropriate location, give the virtual machine a new unique ID, and then register the virtual machine.

Register in place will keep all the files required for that VM right where they are (on a NAS or USB drive for example) and Hyper-V will run the VM from that existing location. The unique ID is like the Hardware ID for a physical computer. This is what the activation for Windows is tied to. Use the existing unique ID and Windows stays activated. Create a new unique ID and Windows will deactivate and require a new activation.

Restore the virtual machine copies all of the files for the VM to your Hyper-V default location but does not create a unique ID.

Copy the virtual machine copies all of the files for the VM to your Hyper-V default location, but it does create a new and unique ID for it, making it basically a new machine.

To add to what NavyLCDR said, if you have activated a Windows 10/11 VM you are about to import, then you want to use Restore so that it retains the unique ID that's associated with its digital licence.

Very helpful info, thank you guys!