v2rayN is a green software: it does not write the registry or insert files into the system directory. Your subscriptions, nodes, parameter settings, and routing rules are all located in a subdirectory in the program folder. This means that backup and migration are ridiculously simple - just copy a folder and that's it, but many people don't know which one to copy and are dumbfounded by the empty list after reinstalling the system.
1Where does the configuration exist?
Open the folder where v2rayN is located, there is a guiConfigs Directory - this is everything: the subscription address, all nodes, parameter settings, routing rules, and DNS configuration are all in the database and configuration files inside. As long as this folder is there, your v2rayN is there. The program body (exe and kernel files) can be re-downloaded at any time and is worthless.
2Backup: three steps, be sure to exit first
- ① Completely exit v2rayN: Right-click the tray icon and select "Exit". The database file is occupied when the program is running, and direct copying may produce a damaged copy.
- ② Copy the entire
guiConfigsfolder, paste it to a USB flash drive, mobile hard disk or other partitions of the machine. - ③ Change the name easily: For example
guiConfigs-2026-07, easy to recognize in the future.
This folder is sensitive: guiConfigs contains the subscription address and node key - the subscription address is equal to the account credentials, and you can use your traffic once you get it. Don't share it on a public network disk, and don't just package it and throw it out when you send it to a group asking for help.
3Migrate to a new computer
- on new computer Download v2rayN and extract it to a fixed directory (such as
D:\v2rayN). - Don't start it yet, put the backup
guiConfigsPut the folder into the extracted directory (overwrite any empty folder with the same name). - Start v2rayN - the nodes, subscriptions, and parameters are all there, just like the old computer.
The same goes for reinstalling the system: reinstalling the front handle guiConfigs Copy the non-system disk and put it back after installation. If v2rayN is originally installed on a non-system disk such as the D drive, you don't even need to do anything to reinstall the system.
4How to avoid losing configuration when upgrading the version?
The "Check for Updates" upgrade within the software will automatically retain the configuration. When upgrading manually (downloading a new zip), unzip the new version to Directly overwrite the original folder, or unzip it to a new folder and put the old one guiConfigs Copy it in, either way will work. For complete upgrade instructions, see Upgrade update tutorial.
5Lightweight solution: only prepare nodes but not folders
If you find it troublesome to copy folders, here is a simple idea: Save the subscription address into the password manager——As long as this link is there, any newly installed v2rayN will be resurrected with full health by updating the subscription. For a small number of manually added nodes, you can select them in the list and right-click "Export Sharing Link to Clipboard" to vless:// Links are saved as text and imported in batches during recovery. For details, see Add nodes manually.
By the way, on the Android side: v2rayNG also has a backup and recovery entry in the settings. Just export the configuration file once before changing the phone. See the usage. v2rayNG tutorial.