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  • Writer's pictureJJC Systems
    • Aug 11
    • 2 min read

Creating Virtual Machine Snapshots on VMware vCenter

Purpose: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a virtual machine snapshot using VMware vCenter. A snapshot is a point-in-time copy of a virtual machine's disk file and memory state, allowing you to revert to that specific state if needed.


Scope: This SOP is applicable to system administrators or individuals responsible for managing virtual machines using VMware vCenter.


Pre-requisites:

  • Access to VMware vCenter with appropriate privileges

  • Virtual machine(s) running on the vCenter environment

Procedure:


1. Launch the VMware vSphere Client or access the VMware vCenter web interface.


2. Log in to the vCenter using valid credentials.


3. Navigate to the "Virtual Machines" or "Hosts and Clusters" tab, depending on the interface being used.


4. Locate the virtual machine for which you want to create a snapshot and select it.


5. Right-click on the selected virtual machine and choose the "Snapshot" option from the context menu. Alternatively, you may find the "Snapshot" button in the toolbar or menu.


6. In the "Take Snapshot" dialog box, provide the following information:

  • Name: Enter a descriptive name for the snapshot. This helps identify the snapshot later.

  • Description (optional): Add any additional details or notes about the snapshot, if necessary.

  • Snapshot the virtual machine's memory (optional): Check this option if you want to include the virtual machine's memory state in the snapshot. Enabling this option allows for a more complete restoration.


7. Click on the "OK" or "Create" button to start the snapshot creation process.


8. Monitor the progress of the snapshot creation. The time required for the process depends on the size and complexity of the virtual machine.


9. Once the snapshot is created successfully, you will receive a notification or see the new

snapshot listed under the virtual machine in the vCenter interface.


10. (Optional) If you need to create multiple snapshots or schedule recurring snapshots, repeat steps 4 to 9 for each virtual machine.


11. To revert to a snapshot in the future, select the virtual machine, right-click, and choose the "Snapshot" option. From the list of snapshots, select the desired snapshot and click on the "Go to" or "Revert to" button. Confirm the action if prompted.


12. If snapshots are no longer required or become outdated, it is recommended to delete them to conserve storage space. To delete a snapshot, right-click on the virtual machine, choose the "Snapshot" option, select the snapshot to be deleted, and click on the "Delete" or "Remove" button.

Note: While snapshots provide a convenient way to capture and restore virtual machine states, they are not a substitute for regular backups. It is essential to have a comprehensive backup strategy in place to ensure data protection and recovery.

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