How to Backup VMware Virtual Machines While Running [3 Methods]

Backing up VMware virtual machines (VMs) while they are running is critical to ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime. Some solutions enable VMware hot backups without impacting performance.

Why Backup VMware Virtual Machine While Running

1. Minimizes Downtime – No need to shut down critical workloads.

2. Ensures Data Consistency – Uses VMware’s snapshot technology to capture a consistent state.

3. Improves Disaster Recovery – Faster restoration in case of failures.

4. Supports 24/7 Operations – Ideal for businesses that can’t afford interruptions.

Methods to ESXi Backup VM While Running

Backing up VMware virtual machines while they are running ensures minimal disruption to business operations. Below you will find an overview of VMware tools and third-party solutions such as AOMEI Cyber Backup.

Method 1. Using VMware Snapshot (Temporary Solution)

VMware snapshots capture the VM’s state at a specific point in time, but are not a backup replacement – they should only be used for short-term recovery.

▶Steps to Create a VMware Snapshot:

Open VMware vSphere Client and connect to your ESXi host or vCenter Server.

Right-click the running VM you want to back up.

Select Snapshot > Take Snapshot.

Enter a name and description (optional).

Choose whether to:

Snapshot the VM’s memory (captures RAM state; useful for running apps).

Quiesce the guest file system (ensures disk consistency).

Click Create to take the snapshot.

⚠Warning:

Do not keep snapshot long-term – they can degrade performance.

Delete old snapshots after use via Snapshot Manager.

Method 2. Using VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP) (Native Backup)

VMware’s vSphere Data Protection (VDP) is a backup tool integrated with vCenter, but it has limitations (discontinued in newer versions).

▶Steps to Back Up a Running VM with VDP:

Install & Configure VDP (if not already set up).

Open vSphere Web Client > Navigate to VDP Backup Appliance.

▶Create a Backup Job:

Go to Backup > New Backup Job.

Select the VMs to back up.

▶Set Backup Schedule:

Choose Full, Incremental, or Differential backups.

Define retention policies.

▶Start Backup – VMs remain running during the process.

🚫Limitations:

No longer supported in vSphere 7.0+.

Lacks advanced features like cloud backup or granular recovery.

Method 3. Using AOMEI Cyber Backup (Recommended for Reliable Backups)

For automated, agentless, and efficient VMware backups, AOMEI Cyber Backup is a good choice.

Easy-to-use: It is an agentless backup solution with a very intuitive central console. You can achieve VM backup and restore with simple clicks.
Agentless Image Backup: You can create an independent, image-based backup for VMware ESXi and Hyper-V without installing an agent on each virtual machine (VM).
Different Backup Methods: It supports backup types of full/differential/incremental, and enables you to backup virtual machines on both running and off state.
Automate VMware Backup: It can run the VM backup task automatically to offer continuous VM protection and reduce human errors.
Flexible vSphere Backup: You can batch backup large numbers of VMs managed by vCenter Server, or multiple VMs on a standalone ESXi host.
Multiple Storage Destinations: You can backup to a local drive, or a network destination like Windows Share or NAS.

Backup VMware ESXi virtual machine while running

Step 1. To VMware hot backup, launch the AOMEI Cyber Backup and navigate to Source Device > VMware > + Add Vmware Device to add vCenter or Standalone ESXi host as the source device. Then enter Device Information and User Information, and click Confirm.

Step 2. Navigate to Backup Task and click + Create New Task. Then you can set up Task Name, Backup Type, Device Name, Target, and Schedule.

• Task Name: You can leave the default unique task name or change the name as you like.
• Backup Type: Select to perform VMware ESXi Backup.
• Device Name: Click Select + to select a host and single or multiple VMs you want to backup. Click OK to save.
• Target: Click Select + to add a destination location for storing the backup.
• Schedule: Click the context to change the default backup schedule.

Step 3. You can select to Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only if you have enabled the backup schedule. Then click Start Backup.

Conclusion

Backing up VMware virtual machines while running is a must-have for businesses that need high availability and minimal downtime. With tools like AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can automate and simplify this critical task, ensuring data protection without interrupting your operations. If you are looking for a reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective VMware backup solution, AOMEI Cyber Backup is your go-to choice.