Described herein are systems, methods, and software to enhance the management of virtual nodes in a computing environment. In one example, a method includes identifying a transition event for a first version of a virtual node executing on a first host, identifying a second host to support a second version of the virtual node, and initiating execution of the second version of the virtual node on the second host. In some implementations, the virtual node comprises a non-persistent portion on the executing host and a persistent portion on a second storage element.