PowerShell Script to Clone and Rename Azure Route Table

Azure route tables are essential for managing traffic flow in virtual networks. However, once created, their names cannot be changed directly. This blog post provides a PowerShell-based workaround to clone an existing route table and assign it a new name.

🚫 Why You Can't Rename Azure Route Tables

Azure resource names are immutable. If you need a route table with a different name, you must create a new one and copy the routes manually or via script.

✅ PowerShell Script to Clone and Rename

# Variables
$resourceGroup = "YourResourceGroupName"
$oldRouteTableName = "OldRouteTableName"
$newRouteTableName = "NewRouteTableName"
$location = "YourAzureRegion"  # e.g., "East US"

# Get the old route table
$oldRouteTable = Get-AzRouteTable -Name $oldRouteTableName -ResourceGroupName $resourceGroup

# Create a new route table
$newRouteTable = New-AzRouteTable -Name $newRouteTableName -ResourceGroupName $resourceGroup -Location $location

# Copy routes from old to new
foreach ($route in $oldRouteTable.Routes) {
    Add-AzRouteConfig -Name $route.Name `
                      -AddressPrefix $route.AddressPrefix `
                      -NextHopType $route.NextHopType `
                      -RouteTable $newRouteTable
}

# Commit the new route table with copied routes
Set-AzRouteTable -RouteTable $newRouteTable

# Optional: Reassociate subnets (be cautious with production workloads)
# $vnet = Get-AzVirtualNetwork -ResourceGroupName $resourceGroup -Name "YourVNetName"
# $subnet = $vnet.Subnets | Where-Object { $_.RouteTable.Id -eq $oldRouteTable.Id }
# $subnet.RouteTable = $newRouteTable
# Set-AzVirtualNetwork -VirtualNetwork $vnet

Write-Host "New route table '$newRouteTableName' created and routes copied successfully."

Note: Replace placeholders like "YourResourceGroupName", "OldRouteTableName", "NewRouteTableName", and "YourAzureRegion" with actual values from your Azure environment.

🔐 Subnet Reassociation Tips

Be cautious when reassociating subnets, especially in production environments. Ensure minimal disruption by planning changes during maintenance windows.

📌 Conclusion

While Azure doesn't allow renaming route tables directly, this PowerShell script provides a reliable workaround. Automate your infrastructure tasks and maintain clean naming conventions with ease.

For more tech insights and automation tips, visit TechCirrus Blog.