> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility/manage-virtual-machines-from-cli/general-virtual-machine-management/clone-a-virtual-machine.md).

# Clone a Virtual Machine

**prlctl clone** <*vm\_id* | *vm\_name*> **--name** <*new\_name*>

Clones (makes an exact copy of) a specified virtual machine. The **-name** <*new\_name*> parameter specifies a name to give to the new virtual machine.

#### Optional Parameters

**--template**

Make the new virtual machine a template.

**--dst**

Set the path to the directory where the virtual machine files will be stored. If omitted, the default location will be used.

**--regenerate-src-uuid**

Regenerate the virtual machine source ID (the SMBIOS product ID will also be changed).

**--linked**

Create a linked clone.

**-i**, **--id** <*snapid*>

Create a linked clone based on a snapshot with a given *snapid*.

To check a virtual machine for linked clones, use the **prlctl list -i** command and look under the **Linked Clones** section.&#x20;

**--detach-external-hdd** <**yes** | **no**>

Specifies what to do with hard disks located outside the source virtual machine file. If you specify **yes**, outside hard disks will be removed from the destination VM. If you specify **no**, outside hard disks will remain in the new VM. Please note that in either case, the outside hard disks will NOT be copied to the destination.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.parallels.com/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility/manage-virtual-machines-from-cli/general-virtual-machine-management/clone-a-virtual-machine.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.