Back up the machine, then prove you can restore it
HowToBackupVM explains how to protect VMware, Hyper-V, and Proxmox virtual machines with backups you can actually restore.
A backup is a copy you can start
Snapshots help you roll back a change. A backup is a separate copy, kept somewhere the production datastore cannot take with it. These guides stay with that distinction, from application-consistent copies to retention and off-site copies.
What to get right first
Snapshot is not a backup
A snapshot still depends on the original disks. Learn when it helps and when it leaves you exposed.
Quiesce the guest
Crash-consistent copies boot. Application-consistent copies keep databases usable.
Restore is the test
A backup you have never started is a guess. Practice the boot on isolated storage.
Latest guides
Choose backup retention for virtual machines
Keep enough restore points to recover yesterday’s mistake and last quarter’s compliance question, then delete the rest on purpose.
Keep an off-site virtual machine backup
A second copy in the same rack still shares power, cooling, and a fire. Send one copy to another site or a separate account.
Test a virtual machine restore
A backup counts only after you boot a copy on storage and a network that cannot reach production.
Questions
Does this site sell backup software?
No. HowToBackupVM publishes guides. Contact and careers pages open your mail client, and nothing is purchased here.
Which hypervisors do the guides cover?
The current set covers VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Proxmox VE, plus practices that apply to all three.
How often should a restore be tested?
Test a representative virtual machine at least quarterly, and after any change to backup software, storage, or the network path.
Ask about a backup design
The editors answer practical questions about virtual machine backup scope, restore tests, and retention. There is no product checkout on this site.