How to Use Snapshots in VMware Workstation

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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VMware Workstation is a powerful tool that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single computer using virtual machines. One of the key features of VMware Workstation is the ability to take snapshots. Snapshots are especially useful for those who need to experiment with different configurations, test software, run different environments, and perform many other tasks without the risk of breaking the entire system. In this guide, we will explore what snapshots are, how to use them, and what are the best ways to use them effectively.

Understanding snapshots

A snapshot is a copy of the state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time. It captures the virtual machine's settings, the contents of the virtual machine's disk and its memory state. Snapshots enable you to revert to a previous state quickly and easily. For example, if you are testing a new application or system update and something goes wrong, you can revert to the snapshot taken before the changes and continue your work from there.

Why use snapshots?

Using snapshots can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Backup: Snapshots act as a backup solution, allowing you to quickly recover from configuration changes or errors.
• Testing: They provide a safe environment for testing new software without affecting the overall system.
• Versioning: Keep different versions of an environment to compare changes or features between versions.
• Development: For developers, snapshots offer the possibility to preserve the state of a project at different stages, making it easier to revert to it when needed.

Limitations of snapshots

Although snapshots are quite useful, they still have some limitations that users should be aware of:

• Performance: Having multiple snapshots can impact the performance of a virtual machine because each snapshot consumes disk space and memory.
• Disk space: Snapshots can use a considerable amount of disk space, particularly if they capture a large memory state or if there are many snapshots.
• Not a substitute for regular backups: Snapshots are not a complete backup of your data. Regular backups should be taken using dedicated backup solutions.

Creating a snapshot

To create a snapshot in VMware Workstation, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the virtual machine is on, off, or in suspended state.
2. Go to the menu and click on VM.
3. Select Snapshot, and then click Take Snapshot.
4. In the Snapshot dialog box, name your snapshot and provide a description if necessary. Providing a clear name and description helps identify the purpose of the snapshot or the changes it contains.
5. Click OK to create the snapshot.

VMware Workstation will now take a snapshot, which will preserve the state of your virtual machine at this point in time.

Reverting to a snapshot

If you need to restore the virtual machine to a previously saved state, follow these steps:

1. Open VMware Workstation and select the virtual machine you want to bring back.
2. Go to the VM menu.
3. Select the snapshot, then return to the snapshot.
4. A dialog box will appear for confirmation. Confirm the action to revert the virtual machine to the selected snapshot.

This action will undo any changes made after the snapshot was created, and put the virtual machine in the exact state it was in when the snapshot was taken.

Managing snapshots

Managing snapshots involves creating, deleting, and viewing snapshots to efficiently handle disk usage and maintain performance. Here are how to manage them:

Viewing snapshots

To view all snapshots of a virtual machine, do the following:

1. Select the virtual machine from the inventory.
2. Click the Snapshots tab or find Snapshot Manager in the VMware Workstation menu.
3. The Snapshot Manager displays all the snapshots of that virtual machine.

Deleting a snapshot

Over time, you may accumulate many snapshots. Deleting unnecessary snapshots can free up disk space:

1. Open the Snapshot Manager.
2. Select the snapshot you want to delete. Remember that deleting a snapshot will permanently delete its saved state.
3. Click Delete to delete the selected snapshot. Confirm any prompts to finalize the deletion.

Deleting a snapshot does not change the state of the virtual machine; it only removes the ability to revert to that particular moment.

Best practices for using snapshots

To ensure efficient use of snapshots, consider these best practices:

• Limit the number of snapshots: Although it can be convenient to have multiple snapshots, keep their number small to avoid performance degradation and disk space issues.
• Descriptive labels: Always use clear and descriptive names and descriptions to easily identify the purpose of the snapshot or the changes captured.
• Regularly delete obsolete snapshots: Periodically review and delete snapshots that are no longer needed.
• Integrate with a backup plan: Remember that snapshots do not replace your backup solution. Always maintain regular backups separately to ensure data integrity and security.

Advanced snapshot usage

For more advanced use, VMware Workstation allows snapshots to be managed through the command-line interface using vmrun or scripts, enabling automation of the snapshot workflow. Here is a basic example of using vmrun:

vmrun -T ws snapshot "[location of the .vmx file]" [snapshot name]
vmrun -T ws snapshot "[location of the .vmx file]" [snapshot name]

Note that specific configuration and safe practices must be followed when using scripts to manage snapshots.

Performance considerations

When using snapshots, keep in mind that they can slow down the performance of your virtual machine over time. This is because every change made to the virtual machine after the snapshot is created is saved separately. Here's how to manage performance:

1. Consolidate snapshots: Regularly merge your changes with the root disk by undoing, applying, or deleting snapshots.
2. Monitor disk usage: Keep track of the disk space used by snapshots to avoid storage issues.
3. Avoid nesting snapshots: Too many layers of snapshots can lead to poor performance.

Troubleshooting snapshot issues

If you encounter problems with snapshots, consider the following troubleshooting suggestions:

• Undo or delete corrupted snapshots: If a snapshot becomes corrupted, try reverting to the most recent healthy snapshot or delete the problematic snapshot.
• Check disk space: Make sure you have enough disk space available for VMware Workstation to effectively manage snapshots.
• Update VMware Workstation: Older versions of VMware Workstation may contain bugs that affect snapshot performance. Make sure you are using an up-to-date version.
• See documentation: Use VMware's official documentation and support for specific error handling and troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Snapshots are a powerful feature in VMware Workstation, enabling users to manage virtual machines with efficiency and flexibility. By understanding the benefits, limitations, and best practices associated with snapshots, users can take full advantage of this capability to improve testing, development, and deployment workflows. Whether you are an IT professional working with complex network environments or a developer looking to streamline testing processes, mastering the use of snapshots can significantly increase your productivity and system stability.

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