virsh-undefine

Delete only the virtual machine configuration file

$ virsh undefine --domain [vm_name]

$ virsh undefine --domain [vm_name] --remove-all-storage

$ virsh undefine --domain [vm_name] --storage [sda,path/to/source]

virsh undefine domain-name [--nvram] [--remove-all-storage] [--managed-save] [--wipe-after-delete]

domain-name
    The name, ID, or UUID of the virtual machine to undefine.

--nvram
    Also remove the NVRAM file associated with the domain.

--remove-all-storage
    Also remove all storage volumes associated with the domain (DANGEROUS).

--managed-save
    Also remove managed save image associated with the domain, if it exists.

--wipe-after-delete
    Attempt to securely wipe the storage volumes after they have been removed. This option implies --remove-all-storage.

The virsh undefine command removes the definition of a virtual machine from the hypervisor (libvirt) configuration.

This does not delete any virtual disk images or other data associated with the VM. It only removes the VM's XML definition, making it no longer visible to virsh commands like virsh list. If you want to use this virtual machine image you will need to define it using a definition file.

The VM must be shut down before it can be undefined. The command can be used to clean up unused VM definitions or to prepare for migrating a VM definition to another hypervisor. While the VM's state is not lost, it's important to remember that it will need to be manually managed outside of the hypervisor's management tools after being undefined.

Note: This command can be irreversible without backup of the VM's XML definition file.

Using the --remove-all-storage option will permanently delete the virtual machine's disk images. This action is irreversible and will result in data loss. Always double-check the domain name before using this option. Make sure the VM is shut down before running virsh undefine. Data volumes can be lost without ability to restore.
If you want to save the definition file you can create a backup with virsh dumpxml domain > domain.xml

To undefine a VM named 'myvm': virsh undefine myvm
To undefine a VM named 'myvm' and also remove its NVRAM: virsh undefine myvm --nvram
To undefine a VM and remove all associated storage volumes (USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION): virsh undefine myvm --remove-all-storage

virsh(1), virsh-define(1), virsh-list(1), virsh-destroy(1)