You can create a snapshot of the virtual machine (VM) before performing any risky actions. For example, testing software, changing the configuration of the OS, etc.

The snapshot saves the current state of RAM and disks of the VM and allows you to return to this state when needed. Multiple snapshots can be created for each VM.

Features

Differences between snapshots and backups

The main purpose of backups is to save the data of the virtual machine, and the snapshots — the current state of the VM. Creating a backup takes some time, during which the state of a VM can change. The system configuration is "frozen" when the snapshot is created. This allows you to save not only the files, but also the state of the VM.

It is recommended to create snapshots if you need to keep the state of the VM for a short time. If you want to save VM data for a long period of time, use backups.

Storing snapshots

VM snapshots are stored with the files of the original VM and are deleted when the VM is deleted.

A limit on the number of snapshots is set for each VM. If the limit is reached, you must delete the old snapshots before creating new ones.

Changing the VM configuration

If a VM has snapshots created, its configuration cannot be changed.

VM cloning

When cloning a VM with snapshots, a clone will be created without snapshots of the original VM.

Managing snapshots

Creating a snapshot

  1. Enter Virtual machines → select the VM → menu → Create a snapshot.
  2. If necessary, edit the Snapshot name. By default, snapshot names contain the date and time of creation.
  3. If necessary, enable the Save RAM status option.
  4. Add a discretionary Comment.
  5. Click Save.

If snapshots are created for a VM, an icon appears next to its name in the VM table.

Managing snapshots

To manage snapshots of all VMs, enter Virtual machines → VM snapshots tabs → select the VM → menu.

Possible actions with snapshots:

  • Restore VM from a snapshot;
  • Edit — change the snapshot name and commentary;
  • Delete.

To manage the snapshots of the individual VM, enter Virtual machines → select the VM → click Parameters → open VM snapshots → Snapshot tree tab.

The tree shows the hierarchical structure of the snapshots and the current state of the VMs. When you select a snapshot in the tree, a brief information about the snapshot is displayed on the right side of the window.

Possible actions with the snapshot tree:

  • Restore VM from a snapshot;
  • Edit — change the snapshot name and commentary;
  • Delete;
  • Delete all.

The VM will be stopped for the time of recovery from the snapshot.