VMware ESXi and vSphere Cluster Management
Delete a Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Player
Learn how to permanently delete a VMware Workstation Player virtual machine, distinguish deletion from removing it from the library, and verify that its files are gone.
What deleting a virtual machine means
A virtual machine (VM) is a software-defined computer that runs a guest operating system and applications inside VMware Workstation Player. The physical computer and operating system running VMware are the host.
When you choose Delete from Disk, VMware Workstation Player removes the selected VM and its associated files from host storage. These files can include the VM configuration file, virtual disks, snapshots, logs, and other related data. Deleting an unused VM can reclaim substantial host disk space.
Before you delete the VM
- Shut down the guest operating system normally when possible. A normal shutdown helps prevent filesystem corruption and gives applications time to close safely.
- Make sure the VM is fully powered off. Powered off means the guest is stopped and is not executing.
- Confirm the VM name and, if needed, its storage location.
- Copy important files from the guest, create a backup, export needed data, or retain the complete VM folder if you may use the VM again.
A suspended VM has saved its running state for later resumption. A paused VM is temporarily stopped but may still retain an active execution state. Neither suspended nor paused is equivalent to powered off for this operation.
VM states and deletion readiness
| VM state | Ready for permanent deletion | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Powered off | Yes | Verify the VM identity and choose Delete from Disk if its files are no longer needed. |
| Running | No | Shut down the guest operating system, then confirm that VMware reports the VM as powered off. |
| Suspended | No | Resume or otherwise close the VM, shut down the guest, and reach the powered-off state first. |
Delete a VM from disk
- Open VMware Workstation Player and locate the target VM in the VM library. The VM library is the list of virtual machines known to Player.
- Check that the target VM is powered off. Do not rely only on whether its window is visible; verify its displayed power state.
- Right-click the VM's entry in the library.
- Choose Delete from Disk.
- Read the confirmation prompt carefully. Verify the VM name and confirm that you no longer need its files.
- Accept the confirmation only after those checks are complete.
After a successful deletion, the VM entry disappears from the library and VMware removes the VM files from the host through its interface. No manual host file-system deletion is required for the normal workflow.
Delete from Disk versus Remove From the Library
These commands have different purposes. Remove From the Library only unregisters or hides the VM from VMware Workstation Player. It does not delete the VM folder, virtual disks, configuration file, snapshots, or logs from the host.
| Action | Removes VM from library | Deletes host VM files | Can be added back without restoring files | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete From Disk | Yes | Yes | No; the files must be restored from a backup if needed | Permanently discard an unused VM and reclaim disk space |
| Remove From the Library | Yes | No | Yes; open or add the existing configuration file | Clean up the library while keeping the VM for later |
Which option should you choose?
- Choose Delete from Disk when the VM is no longer needed and you have preserved any data you want to keep.
- Choose Remove From the Library when you want a shorter library list but may use the VM again.
- If you are uncertain, remove the VM from the library or retain a backup instead of permanently deleting it.
Example: permanently discard an unused test VM
- Inside the test VM, shut down the guest operating system normally.
- Wait until VMware Workstation Player shows the VM as powered off.
- Right-click the test VM in the library.
- Select Delete from Disk.
- Check the confirmation prompt to ensure it names the test VM, not a production or personal VM.
- Confirm the deletion.
The test VM entry should disappear, and its associated host files should be removed. The freed space may include the virtual disk, configuration files, snapshots, logs, and other VM data.
Example: remove a VM from the library but keep it
- Right-click the VM in the library.
- Select Remove From the Library, not Delete from Disk.
- Record the VM folder location and the name of its VMware configuration file, commonly ending in
.vmx.
The VM is no longer listed, but its files remain on the host. To use it again, browse to the saved VM folder and open or add the .vmx configuration file in VMware Workstation Player. The existing VM can then be added back without recreating its virtual hardware or restoring its virtual disks.
Verify the deletion
- Confirm that the VM no longer appears in the VMware Workstation Player library.
- Optionally browse to the former VM storage location on the host.
- Check whether the VM folder and its associated files have been removed.
Remaining files do not always mean that the main deletion failed. Some data may have been stored outside the normal VM directory, may not have been associated with the selected VM, or may still be held by a host process. Check the VM's known storage locations before removing anything manually.
Troubleshooting
The delete option is unavailable
The VM may still be running, paused, or suspended. Shut down the guest operating system and ensure that VMware shows the VM as fully powered off. Then open the library context menu again.
The VM disappeared, but disk space was not reclaimed
You may have selected Remove From the Library instead of Delete from Disk. Locate the preserved VM folder and its .vmx file. Add the VM back if necessary, then use Delete from Disk only after confirming that the VM and its data are no longer needed.
The wrong VM was deleted
Normal VMware interface deletion is irreversible. If a backup or exported copy exists, restore the VM from that backup. For future deletions, verify the VM name and disk location and preserve needed guest data before confirming.
Some files remain after deletion
Files may be in a separate location, may not belong to the selected VM, or may be retained by VMware or another host process. Close VMware Workstation Player and related VMware processes, then inspect the former VM location. Do not delete remaining files until you have confirmed that they are safe to remove.
A removed VM needs to be used again
Removal from the library does not destroy the VM. Find the preserved VM folder, locate its .vmx configuration file, and open or add that file in VMware Workstation Player.
Key points
- The VM must be powered off before permanent deletion.
- Delete from Disk removes the library entry and associated VM files from the host.
- Remove From the Library removes only the listing and preserves the files.
- Back up important guest data and verify the VM identity before accepting a destructive confirmation.
- Check the former storage location if you need to verify that deletion reclaimed the expected disk space.