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Hyper-V VSA Proxy on a standalone Commvault Server outside the cluster?

Nikos.Kyrm
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Hi everyone,


I understand that installing the VSA role on a Hyper-V cluster node is the recommended approach, according to the Commvault documentation.: https://documentation.commvault.com/11.46/software/hyper_v_system_requirements.html

However, for a POC we are planning to run at a customer site, we would prefer not to make any changes to the existing Hyper-V cluster nodes at this stage.

So, is it mandatory to install the Hyper-V VSA role on a Hyper-V host, or is it supported to install it on an existing Commvault MediaAgent or another Windows server outside the cluster, without the Hyper-V role installed, and use it to back up the cluster VMs?

Has anyone implemented this configuration or can confirm whether it is supported?
 

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Nikos

Best answer by AbdulRahman AlSindiony

Hi ​@Nikos.Kyrm,

 

For the docs part,

Notes on Virtual Server Agent Installations for Hyper-V

The Virtual Server Agent is installed directly onto the Hyper-V Server.

System Requirements for Virtual Server Agent with Microsoft Hyper-V

 

The Limitation is more than CSV, it’s more of how we can read the Hyper-V VM data and configs efficiently, as you know, MS Hyper-V doesn’t let you read the VM data through NFC as in ESX NBD, nor hotadd-like method, 

It’s more of Microsoft limitation, I have checked multiple times if any other Backup provider has overcome this requirement, but none. At least one node from the cluster must have the agent.

 

Also, some bkp vendors would claim that they have “off-host” Hyper-V backup for CSV/SAN, but they will still ask for at least one Hyper-V host with agent installed, we offer the same method as well with IntelliSnap mount on a node out of the cluster, but we don’t pitch it as “off-host” as it’s not really off-host when you still require a host.

Backup Copy Operations for Microsoft Hyper-V

 

Thanks,

Abdu

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4 replies

Vaulter

Hi ​@Nikos.Kyrm , 

 

At least one Hyper-V host within the cluster must have VSA installed, with access to all CSVs hosting the VMs storage.

While it’s theoretically doable to create a new host and add it to the Hyper-V cluster, provide access to the CSV, install VSA, to just run the backups, it’s more practical to install VSA on one of the existing cluster nodes.

 

Thanks,

Abdu

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    Nikos.Kyrm
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    • Nikos.KyrmCommunity All Star
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    • October 25, 2026

    Hi ​@AbdulRahman AlSindiony 

    Thanks for the clarification.

    Just to better understand the technical “limitation”, is the requirement to install VSA on a Hyper-V cluster node primarily related to CSV access, or are there other technical dependencies in the Commvault Hyper-V backup architecture that make this necessary?

    Could you also point us to any technical documentation that explains this requirement in more detail?

    Thanks for your help!
    Nikos

    Vaulter

    Hi ​@Nikos.Kyrm,

     

    For the docs part,

    Notes on Virtual Server Agent Installations for Hyper-V

    The Virtual Server Agent is installed directly onto the Hyper-V Server.

    System Requirements for Virtual Server Agent with Microsoft Hyper-V

     

    The Limitation is more than CSV, it’s more of how we can read the Hyper-V VM data and configs efficiently, as you know, MS Hyper-V doesn’t let you read the VM data through NFC as in ESX NBD, nor hotadd-like method, 

    It’s more of Microsoft limitation, I have checked multiple times if any other Backup provider has overcome this requirement, but none. At least one node from the cluster must have the agent.

     

    Also, some bkp vendors would claim that they have “off-host” Hyper-V backup for CSV/SAN, but they will still ask for at least one Hyper-V host with agent installed, we offer the same method as well with IntelliSnap mount on a node out of the cluster, but we don’t pitch it as “off-host” as it’s not really off-host when you still require a host.

    Backup Copy Operations for Microsoft Hyper-V

     

    Thanks,

    Abdu

    linkedin.com/in/alsindiony-abdo
      Nikos.Kyrm
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      • Nikos.KyrmCommunity All Star
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      • October 26, 2026

      Hi ​@AbdulRahman AlSindiony 

      Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation and the supporting documentation. This really helped clarify the technical limitations.

      Much appreciated!
      Nikos

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