This article shows the steps to create and restore Snapshot for a Windows, Linux, or macOS virtual machine installed on VMware Workstation 16 Pro.
What is Snapshot in the VMware Program?
The Snapshot feature ensures that the snapshot status of an installed virtual machine is quickly recorded and a backup is taken. The backup taken can be restored soon against any failure. In this way, you can return to the previous state of the virtual machine and solve the error that occurred.
To save the instant state of a virtual machine on VMware Pro, you can watch this video or follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open VMware Pro and run the virtual machine that you will back up. Click on VM / Snapshot / Take Snapshot from the tool menu on your virtual machine.
Step 2: You will see “You Are Here” in the Snapshot Manager window. Click the Take Snapshot button to save the instant status of the virtual machine.
Step 3: When a small window opens, you can specify a name and description for the Snapshot. If you have installed clean Windows in the description field here, you can write a report such as the first installation. Then click retake Snapshot to start the backup process.
Step 4: You can see the instant state record you created on the left side of the “You Are Here” message. All the operations you will do after this registration will not affect the backup you have created.
Step 5: In addition, two files named VMEM and VMSN will be created in the location where the virtual machine is installed. If you delete these files, you may be unable to restore them to the backup you took.
Step 6: Make a few changes to your virtual operating system by installing a program as an example.
Step 7: At this stage, to restore the Snapshot, open the manager window again, and this time, select the state you explained, click the Go To button, and click Yes in the warning window to start the restore.
Step 8: After restoring, check that the virtual computer returns to its initial setup state.
Step 9: If you want to delete the Snapshot, select the relevant state in the manager window and click the Delete button.