How To Backup / Restore a Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Pro

VMware Workstation Pro provides two main methods for backing up and restoring virtual machines: Copy-Paste VM files and Export/Import using the OVF format. Each method has its own advantages depending on whether you need quick local recovery or structured portability.

Method 1: Copy-Paste VM Files

This method involves manually copying the VM’s files for backup and restoring them later.

Backup (Copy)

• Locate the VM folder:
  • Windows: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Virtual Machines
  • Linux: /home/YourName/vmware/
• Copy the entire VM folder, including:
  • .vmx (configuration file)
  • .vmdk (virtual disk file)
  • Snapshots and log files (if any)
• Store the copied folder on an external drive or another location.

Restore (Paste)

• Copy the backed-up VM folder to the same directory on the target machine.
• Open VMware Workstation Pro, go to File > Open, and browse to the .vmx file to re-register the VM.
• Start the VM—it should run as before.

Pros: Fast and simple, preserves exact VM state, no conversion required.
Cons: May fail on different VMware versions, snapshots or linked files might be missing.

Method 2: Export/Import VM (OVF Format)

VMware Workstation Pro offers an Export Appliance feature that packages everything into an OVF or OVA file.

Backup (Export)

• Open VMware Workstation Pro and go to File > Export to OVF.
• Select the VM to export.
• Choose the export format (OVF or OVA).
• Select a destination folder and click Export.

Restore (Import)

• Open VMware Workstation Pro and go to File > Open.
• Select the .OVA or .OVF file.
• Click Import and configure VM settings.
• Start the VM.

Pros: More portable, works across different VMware versions, self-contained and structured backup, easier to transfer.
Cons: Slower to export/import, may require reconfiguration after import.

Which Method is Best?

• Copy-Paste: Best for local backups and quick restores.
• Export/Import: Ideal for migrating VMs or creating structured backups.

By understanding the strengths of each method, you can choose the right approach for your workflow. Copy-Paste is perfect for quick recovery, while Export/Import ensures portability and compatibility across systems.

Whether you’re safeguarding your work or moving to a new setup, VMware Workstation Pro provides flexible options to keep your virtual environments secure and accessible.