Can we convert the Existing HNSC to New separate web application?

Question

We have one HNSC created in our SP2013 farm.Now we have a requirement to create separate web application created instead of this existing HNSC. Is there any step by step guide to convert the Existing HNSC to New separate web application?

Answer 1

Yes you can move a a Host Name Site Collection (HNSC) from one web application to another via Backup-SPSite and Restore-SPSite as the following:

• Take a backup of your site collection via PowerShell Backup-SPSite -Identity <SiteCollectionGUIDorURL> -Path <BackupFile>
• Crate a new web application,
• Restore your site collection to the new web application. Restore-SPSite -Identity <SiteCollectionGUIDorURL> -Path <BackupFile>
• Remove site collection from old web application based on your requirements.Remove-SPSite -Identity < Old SiteCollectionGUIDorURL> -Confirm:$false
• Delete backup file.Remove-Item "<BackupFile>"

For more details check

• Back up site collections in SharePoint 2013
• Restore site collections in SharePoint 2013
• MOVE A SITE COLLECTION FROM ONE WEB APPLICATION TO ANOTHER