Backing up VMware Workstation VMs prevents data loss from crashes, attacks, or mistakes. This guide covers manual backup methods and recommends AOMEI Cyber Backup for automated, secure, and efficient virtual machine protection and recovery.
VMware Workstation is important for running virtual machines (VMs). However, any number of mishaps can lead to data loss. Regular backups are necessary to protect virtual machines.
VMware Workstation allows you to run multiple VMs on a single physical machine. While convenient, these VMs are still vulnerable to:
Without backups, recovering lost virtual machines can be very time-consuming. The right backup strategy ensures business continuity and minimizes downtime.
Manual Backup Methods for VMware Workstation
VMware supports exporting VMs in OVF (Open Virtualization Format) or OVA (single-file archive) format.
Steps:
Shut down the VM.
Right-click the VM in VMware Workstation.
Select Export to OVF/OVA.
Store the file on an external drive or cloud storage.
Select OVF (multiple files) or OVA (single file).
Click Save and wait for the export to complete.
VMware stores VM files (.vmx, .vmdk, .nvram) in a designated folder. You can manually copy these to a backup location.
Steps:
Shut down the VM (Critical to avoid corruption).
Navigate to the VM folder (contains .vmx, .vmdk, .nvram files).
Select all files (or the entire folder).
Copy & paste to an external drive, NAS, or cloud storage.
(Optional) Compress into a ZIP file to save space.
Snapshots capture a VM’s state but should not replace backups.
Steps:Ensure the VM is powered on (or paused).
Go to VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot.
Enter a name & description.
Click Take Snapshot.
Manual backups are suitable for small setups, but businesses and IT professionals need automated, efficient, and secure solutions. AOMEI Cyber Backup is a powerful VMware backup tool that simplifies the protection of virtual machines with advanced features.
🔥 Key Benefits of AOMEI Cyber Backup
Automated Scheduling – Set daily, weekly, or monthly backups.
Incremental & Differential Backups – Save storage space and backup time.
Hot Backup Support – Back up running VMs without downtime.
Centralized Management – Control multiple VMware VMs from one dashboard.
Flexible Storage Options – Save backups to local disks, NAS, or cloud.
Fast Disaster Recovery – Restore entire VMs or individual files in minutes.
Step 1. Install the AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent on the desired device and establish a connection with the AOMEI Cyber Backup Management Server.
Step 2. Navigate to Source Device > Windows. If the device you wish to back up is not present, select + Add Windows Device to include a Windows Device. Enter the relevant Device Information and User Information.
Step 3. Click Backup Task > + Create New Task > System Backup. Proceed to define backup specifics, including Task Name, Device Name, Backup Content, Target, and Schedule according to your requirements.
Step 4. Choose to either Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.
Step 5. Go back to Backup Task and click … > Restore on the left of the backup task to start setting up the Windows system recovery task.
Step 6. In Restore Methods, you can choose to Restore the entire system or Restore individual partitions and click OK.
Step 7. Choose Restore to original location, and you can easily restore the Windows system backup to its previous state.
Backing up VMware Workstation virtual machines is essential to prevent data loss. While manual methods can fulfill small-scale needs, AOMEI Cyber Backup offers a more efficient, automated, and secure solution. With features such as scheduled backups, centralized management, and fast recovery, it's a great choice for businesses and IT professionals.