> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-export-volume.md).

# VM Export Volume

The VergeOS NAS service provides a special volume type (*Verge.io VM Export*) to facilitate export of VMs. This special volume contains VM snapshots, created each time the export is run, that can then be made available to external systems and third-party backup software.

## Core Concepts

* VMs must have **Allow Export** enabled in their settings to be included in exports.
* The VM export workflow centers on creating a dedicated NAS volume designed specifically for generating exportable snapshots of selected virtual machines.
* Exports can be manually triggered or automated through task schedules.
* Each export produces a set of VM snapshots stored within the volume, organized by timestamped folders.
* To make the exported data accessible to external systems, such as third-party backup tools or external storage platforms:
  * The volume can be [shared over CIFS or NFS](/run-the-platform/nas/nas-shares.md)
  * Data can be [volume synchronized](/run-the-platform/nas/volume-syncs.md) to an external system (e.g. NAS appliance) via CIFS/NFS using a mounted [remote volume](/run-the-platform/nas/nas-remote-volumes.md)

For detailed configuration instructions, see the KB article: [**How to Configure a Volume for VM Exports**](/knowledge-base/backup-dr/configuring-a-vm-export-volume.md)


---

# 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:

```
GET https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-export-volume.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
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.