When you’ve taken the time and effort to create a virtual machine in VMware Player, back it up. A backup is a copy you can use to replace your virtual machine in minutes when something goes wrong.
Virtual machines let you try out different operating systems, test software safely, and visit “dodgy” websites without risking your real PC. That also means they get broken. With a backup, that doesn’t matter.
VMware Player Has Been Discontinued
VMware Player is no longer available. Broadcom stopped offering it as a separate download in 2024, and since Workstation Pro 26H1 (May 2026), Player isn’t included with Workstation Pro either.
If you already have Player installed, this guide still works. If you don’t, use VMware Workstation Pro, which is free for everyone. Here’s how to download VMware Workstation Pro, and here’s how to back up Workstation Pro virtual machines. Wondering what happened to Player? Here’s whether VMware Player is coming back.
The Short Version
- Shut down the virtual machine and close VMware Player.
- Open the Virtual Machines folder inside your Documents folder.
- Copy the virtual machine’s folder to a backup folder, ideally on an external drive.
- To restore, close Player, delete the broken folder, and copy the backup back in its place.
Does VMware Player Have Snapshots?
No. Unlike Workstation Pro and VirtualBox, VMware Player has no snapshots and no built-in backup. If something goes wrong with your virtual machine and you haven’t got a copy, the only thing you can do is scrap it and start again.
That takes time, and if it’s a Windows virtual machine, it’ll need activating again with a product key.
The good news is that you don’t need any special software. A VMware Player virtual machine is just a folder of files, so a copy of that folder is a complete backup. It does the same job as a snapshot, you just make it yourself.
How to Back Up a VMware Player Virtual Machine
VMware Player keeps all the files that make up each virtual machine in one folder. By default, those folders are inside a folder called Virtual Machines in your Documents folder.
Inside it, there’s one folder for each virtual machine you’ve created. Each folder is the whole virtual machine: its virtual hard disk (.vmdk files), its settings (.vmx file) and everything else.
A quick way to get there is to copy this into the address bar of File Explorer and press Enter:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Virtual Machines
Copy and Paste the Virtual Machine Folders
- Shut down the virtual machine from inside the guest operating system (in Windows, Start, Power, Shut down). Don’t just suspend it.
- Close VMware Player.
- Open the Virtual Machines folder.
- Copy the virtual machine’s folder and paste it into your backup folder. You might call it VM backups, or anything you’ll recognise.
If you’re not sure about copying and pasting folders, my guide to using Windows File Explorer shows you how.
Where to Store Your Virtual Machine Backups
Ideally on an external drive. A backup on the same drive as the original is gone too if that drive fails.
And allow plenty of space. Virtual machine folders are big: a Windows 10 or Windows 11 virtual machine can easily be 30 to 60 GB.
Virtual Machine Not in the Virtual Machines Folder?
If you saved a virtual machine somewhere else, VMware Player can tell you where. Select it, click Edit virtual machine settings, then the Options tab. Under General, the Working directory box shows its folder.
Encrypted Virtual Machine?
Windows 11 virtual machines in Player 17 are usually encrypted, because that’s what lets them have a virtual TPM. The backup copy is encrypted too, so keep the encryption password somewhere safe with it. Without the password, the backup won’t open.
How to Restore a VMware Player Backup
Sooner or later you’ll break a virtual machine. Maybe you tinkered too much with the settings, or it picked up some malware. When the time comes to replace it, you’ll be glad you made a backup.
- Shut down the virtual machine and close VMware Player.
- Open the Virtual Machines folder in Documents.
- Delete the folder of the virtual machine you want to restore. In this example, I’m restoring my Windows 10 Pro virtual machine.
Copy and Paste Your Backed Up VM Folder
Now copy the virtual machine folder from your backups and paste it into the Virtual Machines folder. In other words, you’re just swapping the broken folder for the backed up one.
Open VMware Player and start the virtual machine. It’ll be exactly as it was when you backed it up.
This Virtual Machine Appears to Be in Use
If you see this message, the virtual machine was still running or Player was open when the backup was made, so lock files were copied with it. Make sure the virtual machine isn’t running anywhere, then click Take Ownership.
I Moved It or I Copied It?
If VMware Player asks whether you moved or copied the virtual machine, choose I Moved It when you’re replacing the original. I Copied It gives the virtual machine a new identity and network address, which is only what you want if you’re keeping both copies.
Virtual Machine Missing from the Player Library?
On VMware Player’s home screen, click Open a Virtual Machine, go to the restored folder, and choose the .vmx file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does VMware Player have snapshots?
A: No. Snapshots are only in VMware Workstation Pro. In VMware Player, copying the virtual machine’s folder is the way to back it up.
Q: Where does VMware Player store virtual machines?
A: By default, in a folder called Virtual Machines inside your Documents folder. Each virtual machine has its own folder there.
Q: Can I back up a virtual machine while it’s running?
A: No. Shut it down and close VMware Player first. A copy of a running or suspended virtual machine may not start properly when you restore it.
Q: How big is a VMware Player backup?
A: The same size as the virtual machine’s folder. A Windows 10 or Windows 11 virtual machine is often 30 to 60 GB, so an external drive is the best place for it.
Q: Can I open a VMware Player backup in Workstation Pro?
A: Yes. In Workstation Pro, click File, Open, and choose the backup’s .vmx file. You can then use Workstation Pro’s snapshots. Here’s how to back up Workstation Pro virtual machines.
Q: Should I choose I Moved It or I Copied It when I restore?
A: Choose I Moved It when the backup is replacing the original. Choose I Copied It only if you want to keep both copies.
Summary
Backing up and restoring a VMware Player virtual machine is just a matter of copying and pasting folders. You don’t need any special software, and you don’t need snapshots either.
Make a backup as soon as a new virtual machine is set up the way you like it, and again before you try anything risky.
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Run Windows 7 as a Virtual Machine
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In this step-by-step guide I’ll show you exactly how to set up a Windows 7 virtual machine using VMware Workstation Pro.
You can find this and other related step by step guides in – At Home Computer Virtual Machines
Written by Jeff Porter. I’ve been fixing Windows PCs since 2010 and I’m CompTIA Network+ certified. More about me