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VirtualBox / Snapshots

Overview

This documentation was created using VirtualBox 6.0.4 but other versions should be similar.

A VM snapshot is a saved representation of the VM state, which allows the VM to be restored to that state. This is particularly useful when the work done on a VM after a point can be discarded. For example, when testing a software installer prior to software release, a VM may be restored to an initial state and then the installer is run and tested.

Saving a Snapshot

To save a snapshot, it is generally best to stop the VM so that files are not actively being modified. Then click on the menu on the right side of the VM name in VirtualBox Manager as shown below and select Snapshots.

Save snapshot

Save (Take) a Snapshot (see full-size image)

Next, provide a snapshort name and description, similar to the following.

Snapshot information

Snapshot Information (see full-size image)

The snapshot will then be available to restore. Note that snapshots consist of a delta between VM states, not a full save. The VirtualBox software maintains the snapshots.

Restoring a Snapshot

A snapshot can be restored by first opening the snapshots tool (Snapshots from menu to the right of the VM name). Then use the Restore tool, or right-click on the snapshot to restore and select the Restore... menu item, as shown below.

Restore snapshot

Restore a Snapshot (see full-size image)

The following prompt will confirm the restore and also give the option of creating a snapshot of the current machine state. If the current state is important, save a snapshot. Otherwise, unclick the Create a snapshot of the current machine state choice, as shown in the following example. If the VM is a development machine, it is also important to commit work to Git or other repository and push to the cloud so that current files are saved. Press Restore to restore the snapshot to replace the previous VM state. Any work done after the snapshot will need to be redone.

Restore snapshot confirmation

Restore a Snapshot - Confirmation (see full-size image)

The VM can then be started by selecting Current State in snapshots and the Start tool/menu.