How to Clone VM in VMware 

Cloning a virtual machine (VM) in VMware can be a useful and time-saving technique for system administrators and IT professionals. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of how to clone VM either in VMware or through a 3rd-party tool as EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise providing step-by-step instructions .

What is VM Cloning

VM cloning refers to the process of creating an exact replica or duplicate of an existing virtual machine (VM). This method eliminates the need for manually setting up each new VM, saving significant time and effort for system administrators and IT professionals. Cloning can be used for various purposes, including creating backups, setting up test environments, deploying multiple instances of the same system, and facilitating software development and testing. It provides a convenient and efficient way to replicate VMs and scale your virtual infrastructure quickly.

How to Clone VM in VMware Step by Step

Step 1. Start by launching the VMware Workstation and locate the virtual machine you want to clone in the inventory list.

Step 2. Right-click on the VM and select Clone from the context menu.

Step 3. Click on Next and choose the clone source and clone type. 

Clone Source: You have the option to either clone from the current state of the virtual machine or from a snapshot of its previous state.

Clone Type: You have the option to create a linked clone, which consumes less disk space as it relies on the original VM. Alternatively, you can create a full clone that is independent of the original VM but requires more disk space.

Step 4. Provide a name for the clone and select a destination folder where it will be stored.

Step 5. Click Finish to initiate the cloning process.

How to Clone VM with EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise

Step 1. Click Clone under Tools.

Step 2. Select System Clone. The current system partition and boot partition will be selected automatically. You can then choose the drive you want to clone to, from the drop-down box.

Note: Please make sure the capacity of the unallocated space on your target drive is larger than the total size of your boot and system partition, or you will encounter the error below:
System clone will not delete or wipe the existing partitions on your target drive.

Step 3. Click Settings to customize this clone task. Optimize for SSD is highly suggested if your target drive is an SSD.

4. Click Proceed.

5. After the process is completed, please reboot your computer to your target drive.

Conclusion

Cloning a VM in VMware can significantly streamline your workflow and save valuable time. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to create clones of your virtual machines effortlessly. Whether you're an IT professional or a system administrator, mastering VM cloning will enhance your productivity and help you achieve your goals more efficiently.

How to Clone VM in VMWare FAQs

1. Can I clone a VM that is currently powered on?
Yes, you can clone a powered-on VM in VMware. However, it's generally recommended to power off the VM before cloning to avoid potential issues.

2. Is it possible to clone a VM across different hosts or datastores?
Yes, VMware allows you to clone a VM across different hosts or data stores. However, ensure that the required resources are available and properly configured before initiating the cloning process.

3. Does cloning a VM include its virtual disks and configurations?
Yes, when you clone a VM in EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise, it includes all the virtual disks, configurations, and settings associated with the original VM.

4. Can I customize the cloned VM after the cloning process?
Yes, you can customize the cloned VM after cloning by modifying its configurations, network settings, resource allocations, or any other parameters as needed.

5. Can I rename the cloned VM in VMware?
Yes, you have the option to rename the cloned VM during the cloning process. This allows you to easily differentiate between the original and cloned VMs.