How to Backup VMware ESXi: 2024 Tips

Backing up virtual machines (VMs) is critical for individuals and organizations managing virtual environments. VMware ESXi is a popular platform for hosting VMs. Regularly backing up your ESXi VMs is essential for reducing the risks of data loss. By maintaining current backups, you can quickly recover and regain access to your VMs in the event of data loss or system failure. 

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In this article, we aim to equip you with a comprehensive guide for effectively backing up your VMware ESXi environment. We will delve into two methods: firstly, utilizing EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise, and secondly, employing the VMware ESXi Command Line interface, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of each process for optimal data protection.

What is VMware ESXi?

VMware ESXi (previously known as ESX) is a type 1 hypervisor developed by VMware Inc. It is a bare-metal hypervisor that installs directly onto physical server hardware without requiring an underlying operating system. ESXi enables users to virtualize their IT infrastructure by allowing multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical host, each with its own operating system and applications. This technology is widely used in data centers and businesses for server consolidation, improved resource utilization, and enhanced flexibility in managing IT resources. It forms the foundation of VMware's vSphere platform, offering features such as high availability, live migration (vMotion), and centralized management through vCenter Server.

How to Perform the VMware ESXi Command Line to Backup VM

The process of exporting a VM from VMware ESXi using the command line interface can vary depending on the specific requirements and available tools. The steps provided are backing up and exporting VMs from an ESXi host using CLI commands. Here's how you can do it:

1. Ensure SSH is enabled on your ESXi host. You can do this through the ESXi host's direct console user interface (DCUI) or via the web interface. After that, open an SSH client (like PuTTY) and connect to your ESXi host's IP address.
2. Once the PowerCLI is installed, make sure to run PowerCLI as an administrator. Then you need to establish a connection to the host using: 

3. Identify the exact paths of the VM's disk files and configuration file. You can list the VMs and their details and find the VMID for your VM and then use it to get more detailed information. Kindly note that the primary disk path (scsi0:0.fileName) and the .vmx file path.

4. Using SCP (Secure Copy Protocol), you can copy the VM's files to a remote backup location and ensure you have an SCP server ready to receive these files. 

5. For example, we backed up the ESXi configuration for host 192.168.29.10 to the c:\esxi_backups folder on the computer. This manual backup process provides a basic way to create a backup of a VM on an ESXi host using CLI commands. 

An Easy Way: Backup VMware ESXi from EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise

EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise is a comprehensive backup solution that supports various backup scenarios, including backing up VMware ESXi virtual machines. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a backup of your VMware ESXi environment using this product.

1. Ensure your VMware ESXi server is properly set up and running the virtual machines (VMs) you wish to back up. Next, install EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise on the virtual machine.
2. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise and click on New Task to start your backup.

3. Click Browse... to select the destination where you want to store your backup image. You can save the image to a USB drive, external disk, Network drive, or the EaseUS Cloud.

4. Simply select the Create Emergency Disk option from the left toolbar, you will be prompted to choose between creating the disk as an ISO image file, on a USB flash drive, or on a CD/DVD to use as a boot disk.

5. After creating a new virtual machine, access the Settings and configure the computer to boot from the ISO image generated by Todo Backup. Power on the virtual machine and press any key within the first few seconds to boot from the CD or DVD.

6. The virtual machine will initiate the boot process into the WinPE environment provided by Todo Backup. Access the System Transfer option and click Browse to locate the system backup image where you stored.

7. Choose the target disk and proceed to initiate the restoration process.

Sum UP

EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise provides a user-friendly interface and straightforward backup process, making it easy for users to back up their VMware ESXi data. In the event of data loss or system failure, EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise enables users to quickly and easily restore their VMware ESXi data, minimizing downtime and potential data loss. Be sure to take advantage of the trial version to experience these benefits firsthand.

FAQs for How to Backup VMware ESXi

1. How often should I back up my VMware ESXi data?
The frequency of backups depends on the importance of your data and how frequently it changes. It is recommended to perform regular backups, such as daily or weekly, to ensure that your data is always up to date.

2. Can I back up VMware ESXi to a NAS or cloud storage?
Yes, you can use EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise to back up VMware ESXi to a NAS device or cloud storage services. This allows for offsite storage of your backups, providing an additional layer of protection in case of on-premises data loss.

3. What is the best way to backup VMware ESXi?
Utilizing specialized backup software like EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise is one of the best ways to backup VMware ESXi. This software offers comprehensive backup options, scheduling capabilities, and easy restoration procedures.