VMware Workstation Player course
Delete a Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Player
Learn how to permanently delete a VMware Workstation Player virtual machine, remove only its library entry, verify deletion, and protect important VM data.
A virtual machine (VM) is a software-defined computer that runs an operating system and applications inside VMware Workstation Player. To permanently remove one, use the library action that deletes the VM from disk.
Delete from Disk removes the selected VM from the VMware Workstation Player library and deletes its associated files from the host file system, including files that contain the guest operating system, applications, settings, and user data. The operation is irreversible through VMware Workstation Player.
Delete from Disk versus Remove from the Library
The VMware Workstation Player library is the application list of VMs available to open and manage. Removing an entry from this list is different from deleting the VM's files.
Use Delete from Disk when permanent removal and storage recovery are intended. Use Remove from the Library when the virtual disk, configuration, and other VM files must remain on the host.
Before You Delete the VM
Power off the VM completely
The VM must be fully powered off before it can be deleted. A running VM is still executing its guest operating system, and a suspended VM has its current state saved for later continuation. Neither state should be treated as powered off for this operation.
- Save your work inside the guest operating system.
- Shut down the guest operating system normally.
- Wait until VMware Workstation Player shows that the VM is powered off.
- Make sure no one or no other process is using the VM.
Protect data you may need
Deleting a VM may remove its guest operating system, installed applications, configuration, settings, and files stored in its virtual disks. If the VM contains development work, personal files, or a carefully configured environment, back it up or export it before proceeding.
Also check whether useful data exists outside the main VM folder. Snapshots stored elsewhere, copied virtual disks, backups, and exported appliances are not necessarily affected by deleting the selected VM, but they should be identified before cleanup.
How to Permanently Delete a VM
- Open VMware Workstation Player.
- Locate the target VM in the VMware Workstation Player library.
- Confirm the VM name and, if necessary, its expected operating system or contents. Be especially careful when multiple VMs have similar names.
- Verify that the VM is powered off, not running or suspended.
- Right-click the VM's library entry to open its context menu.
- Choose Delete from Disk.
- Read the confirmation prompt. Accept it only after verifying that the correct VM is selected and that its files can be permanently removed.
After the operation completes, the VM disappears from the library and its associated files are removed from the host storage. You do not need to browse to the VM folder and manually delete the files when you use the in-application disk-deletion option.
Example: Discarding a Test VM
Suppose you finished testing a temporary Linux VM and no longer need its operating system, installed software, or stored data. Shut it down fully, select it in the library, choose Delete from Disk, verify the confirmation prompt, and accept it. The library entry and the VM files on the host are removed.
Example: Hiding a VM Without Losing It
Suppose you want to declutter the library but may use an older Windows VM later. Choose Remove from the Library instead of Delete from Disk. The library entry is removed, but the virtual disk, configuration, and other files remain on the host. You can add the VM back later by opening or importing its existing configuration.
Verify the Result
- Return to the VMware Workstation Player library and confirm that the VM no longer appears.
- If you need to confirm storage removal, check the VM's former storage location on the host file system.
- Remember that backups, exported appliances, copied virtual disks, and snapshots stored elsewhere may still exist.
A VM that disappears from the library but still has files on the host was likely removed from the library rather than deleted from disk. Do not manually remove remaining files until you have confirmed that the VM and all retained data are no longer needed.
Troubleshooting
The deletion option is unavailable
The VM may still be running or suspended. Shut down the guest operating system fully, wait for the VM state to show as powered off, and try again.
The VM disappeared, but its files remain
You probably chose Remove from the Library. If permanent removal is intended, add or open the VM again as needed, then select Delete from Disk. Alternatively, retain the files if you may need the VM later.
You may have selected the wrong VM
Cancel the confirmation prompt before accepting it. Verify the VM name and expected contents. Clear naming is useful when several copies or similarly named VMs exist.
A deleted VM is needed again
Restore it from a backup, exported appliance, copied VM folder, or another retained source if one exists. Without a retained copy, you may need to recreate the VM and reinstall its guest operating system and applications.
Key Points
- Delete from Disk removes the library entry and the VM's associated host files.
- The deletion cannot be undone through VMware Workstation Player.
- The VM must be fully powered off before deletion.
- Remove from the Library hides the entry but preserves the VM files.
- Back up or export important VMs before permanent deletion.
For background, see Virtual Machine Explained, Virtual Machine Files Overview, and Virtual Disks Explained.