I think there is a way technically with something like trueimage or clonezilla, but I’ve never used it. Always thought of my VM as a learning tool, and then used what I learnt to fresh install on real hardware

Don’t wait. Experiment now in a VM to learn the basics.

I would love Elden Ring, but so would many of the others…

Optional. What fills me with hope is knowing there are still people like the OP who are willing to giveaway to those of us who missed so many good games.

Merry xmas