Delete Virtual Machine VMware: Full Removal Guide

To delete a virtual machine in VMware, you remove it from the inventory and optionally delete its files from the datastore. This guide covers the exact steps for VMware Workstation, Player, and ESXi, plus how to avoid common data-loss mistakes.

What “Deleting a VM� Actually Means

In VMware, a virtual machine exists as a set of files on a datastore or local disk. The main files are the .vmx (configuration), .vmdk (virtual disk), .vmsd (snapshot metadata), and .nvram (BIOS settings). “Deleting� can mean two different things:

• Remove from inventory – the VM disappears from the VMware client, but its files remain on disk. You can re-add it later.
• Delete from disk – the files are permanently erased. This frees storage space but cannot be undone.

Most users want the second option, but the first is safer if you are unsure. Always back up important data before deleting.

Deleting a VM in VMware Workstation or Player

These desktop products run VMs on your PC. The steps are nearly identical.

1. Power off the virtual machine. You cannot delete a running VM.
2. In the Library panel, right-click the VM name.
3. Choose Remove (Workstation) or Delete from Disk (Player).
4. If you chose Remove, the VM leaves the list. To erase files, navigate to the VM folder and delete it manually.

In Workstation, the Remove option only removes the entry. To delete files, right-click again → Manage → Delete from Disk. This permanently deletes all associated files.

Deleting a VM in VMware ESXi (vSphere)

ESXi hosts run VMs in a datacenter environment. Use the vSphere Client or Host Client.

1. Power off the VM.
2. Right-click the VM in the inventory.
3. Select Remove from Inventory or Delete from Disk.
4. If you choose Delete from Disk, confirm the action in the dialog.

When you delete from disk, the VM’s files are erased from the datastore. If you only remove from inventory, you can later re-register the VM by browsing to its .vmx file.

What Happens to Snapshots and Linked Clones?

Snapshots are stored as delta files (.vmsn and -delta.vmdk). Deleting a VM also deletes its snapshots if you choose “Delete from Disk.� If you only remove from inventory, snapshots remain and can be restored if you re-register the VM.

Linked clones share a base disk with the parent VM. Deleting the parent VM does not automatically delete the linked clone’s base disk if other clones use it. VMware keeps the base disk until all linked clones are gone. If you delete a linked clone, its delta file is removed, but the shared base remains.

How to Recover a Deleted VM

If you accidentally delete a VM, the only way to get it back is from a backup. VMware does not have a built-in recycle bin. If you only removed it from inventory, you can re-register it:

1. In vSphere, right-click the datastore and select Register VM.
2. Browse to the .vmx file and follow the wizard.

In Workstation, use Open and select the .vmx file. If you deleted the files themselves, professional data recovery tools might help, but success is not guaranteed.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Deleting the wrong VM – always double-check the name and path.
• Not backing up – export the VM (OVF) or copy the folder before deletion.
• Deleting a template – templates are separate from VMs; deleting a VM does not delete its template.
• Ignoring snapshots – deleting a VM with snapshots removes all snapshot data, which can be large.
• Using the wrong option – “Remove from Inventoryâ€� is not the same as “Delete from Disk.â€�

When to Delete vs. Keep a VM

Consider deleting a VM when you no longer need it, it takes up significant disk space, or you want to clean up your environment. Keep a VM if you might need it later, if it contains unique data, or if it is part of a lab that you can repurpose. If disk space is tight, you can also shrink the disk or remove snapshots instead of deleting the whole VM.

Alternatives to Deleting

• Power off – stops the VM but keeps it for later.
• Suspend – saves the current state and powers off.
• Snapshot – save a point-in-time state before making changes.
• Clone – create a copy for testing without affecting the original.
• Export – save as OVF/OVA for backup or migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting a VM delete the installed operating system?

Yes, if you choose “Delete from Disk,� the virtual disk (.vmdk) that contains the OS is erased. The OS is not installed on your physical machine; it lives inside the VM’s virtual disk.

Can I delete a VM while it is running?

No. You must power it off first. Some clients allow “Remove from Inventory� while running, but that is not recommended and may cause data corruption.

How do I delete only the snapshots, not the VM?

In vSphere, right-click the VM → Snapshots → Manage Snapshots → select the snapshot and click Delete. In Workstation, go to VM → Snapshot → Snapshot Manager.

What is the difference between “Remove from Inventory� and “Delete from Disk�?

Removing from inventory only unregisters the VM; files stay on disk. Deleting from disk erases all files permanently. Use “Remove from Inventory� if you want to keep the VM but hide it.

Can I recover a VM after deleting it from disk?

Only if you have a backup or the files were on a storage system with snapshots or replication. Otherwise, data recovery software may help but is not guaranteed.

How do I free up disk space without deleting the VM?

You can delete old snapshots, shrink the virtual disk (in Workstation, use the “Clean Up Disk� tool), or move the VM to a different datastore with more space.

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