Delete Checkpoints for VMs: A Step-by-Step Guide | Hyper-V Manager

How to Delete Checkpoints for VMs under Hyper-V Manager

KB ID: 115068
Summary:
Checkpoints, also known as snapshots, are crucial for maintaining the state of Virtual Machines (VMs) in Hyper-V Manager. However, there are scenarios where you might need to delete checkpoints to free up storage space or optimize VM performance. This knowledge base article provides step-by-step instructions on how to delete checkpoints for VMs under Hyper-V Manager.
Steps to Delete Checkpoints for VMs under Hyper-V Manager:
1. Open Hyper-V Manager:
   - Launch Hyper-V Manager on your Windows machine.
2. Locate VMs with Checkpoints:
   - In the Hyper-V Manager console, navigate to the "Virtual Machines" section.
   - Identify the VMs that have existing checkpoints that you want to delete.
3. Shut Down VMs (If Required):
   - Before deleting checkpoints, it is recommended to shut down the VMs to ensure data consistency.
   - Right-click on the target VM in the list and select "Shut Down" if the VM is currently running.
4. View Checkpoints:
   - Right-click on the VM and choose "Checkpoints" from the context menu.
   - A list of existing checkpoints for the selected VM will be displayed.
5. Delete Checkpoints:
   - To delete a specific checkpoint, right-click on it and select "Delete Checkpoint."
   - To delete all checkpoints and return to the current state of the VM, choose "Delete Checkpoint Subtree."
6. Confirm Deletion:
   - A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "Delete" to confirm the deletion of the checkpoint(s).
7. Start VMs (If Applicable):
   - Once the checkpoints are successfully deleted, you can start the VMs again, if they were previously shut down.
Note: Deleting a checkpoint is a permanent action, and once a checkpoint is removed, you cannot revert to that state. Ensure that you have a backup of the VM if you need to retain its previous state.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily delete checkpoints for VMs under Hyper-V Manager. Keep in mind that deleting checkpoints permanently removes the previous VM state, so exercise caution and make backups when necessary. For any further assistance or queries, please feel free to contact our support team at [support_email_address].