If you’ve been using a virtual machine in VMware but now you want to declutter your workspace or free up storage, you might be looking into how to properly delete it. Whether you’ve outgrown the software, need to make room for new projects, or are simply tidying up, this guide will help you safely and completely remove a VMware virtual machine.
Navigate Virtual Machine Deletion in VMware
Removing a virtual machine from VMware isn’t just about clearing the list on your application; it involves removing all related files to reclaim disk space. Below we will take you through the full process to ensure the virtual machine is completely eliminated from your system.
Let’s dive into the specifics for the most up-to-date versions of VMware products, ensuring we are discussing current and relevant software for the best user experience.
How to Delete a Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation
To permanently delete a virtual machine using VMware Workstation (version 15 and later):
- Click on the virtual machine in the VMware Library.
- From the Workstation menu bar, select ‘VM’.
- Choose ‘Manage’ and then ‘Delete from Disk’.
- Confirm the action by clicking ‘Yes’ to completely remove the virtual machine and all associated files.
- Remember to empty the Recycle Bin to fully reclaim the disk space.
For VMware Workstation Player users (version 16 and above):
- Right-click on the virtual machine’s name in the Library.
- Select ‘Delete from Disk’ from the context menu.
- Click ‘Yes’ when prompted to confirm deletion.
- Clear the Recycle Bin to finalize the space recovery process on your disk.
Conclusion
Deleting a VMware virtual machine is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure all files are removed. By directly deleting the VM files through the application, you prevent leftover files from occupying valuable space on your hard drive.
FAQ
Q: How do I ensure that all VMware virtual machine files are deleted?
A: Always select ‘Delete from Disk’ via the VMware application interface and confirm the action. Afterwards, empty the Recycle Bin to remove any residual files.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally deleted the wrong virtual machine?
A: If you haven’t emptied the Recycle Bin yet, you may be able to restore the files. If the Recycle Bin has been cleared, restoring from a backup would be the next step, provided one exists.
This streamlined content ensures that you are well informed on how to delete a virtual machine in VMware effectively, maintaining relevancy with updated software versions and providing a concise, reader-friendly explanation.
