Proxmox Virtualization Series: How to Clone VMs in Proxmox? A Step-by-Step Guide – Part 14

Introduction

In this blog, we are going to discuss the step-by-step process of cloning VMs in Proxmox, the powerhouse virtualization platform that continues to revolutionize the way we manage virtual machines.

What is VM Cloning ?

VM installation is typically carried out utilizing an installation media (CD-ROM) provided by the operating system vendor. This process can be time-consuming, depending on the OS, which some individuals may prefer to avoid. A convenient approach to efficiently deploy multiple VMs of identical type is by copying an already existing VM.

This copying method, known as VM cloning, involves creating a duplicate of a fully configured virtual machine. By cloning a VM, you can reproduce an existing VM’s setup and configuration quickly and efficiently. This process is particularly useful for deploying multiple virtual machines with identical settings, saving time and effort in setting up individual VMs from scratch. It ensures consistency across your virtual infrastructure and streamlines the deployment of new virtual machines. VM cloning is a valuable tool in virtualization environments for rapid and uniform provisioning of VM instances.

Types of Clones

Cloning can be classified into two main types based on the extent and purpose of the copying process:

1. Full clone and
2. Linked clone

Full Clone

In Proxmox VE, a full clone refers to a complete and independent copy of a virtual machine (VM). This means the cloned VM is a standalone entity with its own virtual disk and configuration files. It’s independent of the original VM and any changes made to the clone won’t affect the source.

Here’s a breakdown of key points about full clones:

• Functionality: It creates a complete replica of the original VM, including its operating system, applications, data, and configuration
• Independence: The full clone operates independently. Any modifications within the clone won’t affect the original VM and vice versa
• Storage Space: A full clone requires the same amount of storage space as the original VM. This is because it’s a complete copy of all data

Use Cases

• Creating new VMs with the same base configuration as the original
• Disaster recovery scenarios where you need a fully functional copy of a VM
• Testing new software or configurations without affecting the original VM

Linked Clone

In Proxmox VE, a linked clone is a space-efficient way to create virtual machines (VMs) based on a template. Unlike a full clone, it doesn’t create a completely independent copy. Instead, it references a base image (the template) and only stores the differences between the clone and the template.

Here’s a breakdown of key points about linked clones:

• Functionality: Creates a new VM that shares the base disk image with the template. Changes made on the linked clone are stored as a separate layer
• Space Efficiency: Requires significantly less storage space compared to a full clone because it only stores the unique data of the VM
• Dependence: A linked clone relies on the template to function. If the template is deleted, the linked clone becomes unusable

Use Cases

• Quickly provisioning a large number of VMs with the same base configuration (e.g., desktops for testing purposes)
• Creating disposable VMs that won’t be used for a long time

Here are some additional things to consider about linked clones:

• Updates: Changes made to the template won’t automatically reflect in existing linked clones. You’d need to recreate the linked clones based on the updated template
• Deletability: You cannot delete the template if linked clones are still referencing it

In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to easily clone a stopped Windows 2016 Server VM (Win2016-1) using the Proxmox WebGUI.

Steps to Clone a VM in Proxmox VE

1. Log in to the Proxmox web console using the root user and password
2. Locate the virtual machine (VM) you want to clone
3. Right-click on the VM or click the “More” button in the top right corner
4. Select “Clone” from the menu

Below screen shows this step.

Clone Page Details

• Target Node: This specifies the Proxmox node where you want to deploy the cloned VM
• VM ID: A unique identifier automatically generated for the cloned VM. You can usually leave this untouched
• Name: Enter a descriptive name for the new cloned VM
• Resource Pool (Optional): Choose a specific resource pool to allocate resources for the cloned VM
• Target Storage: Select the storage location where you want to store the cloned VM. You can choose existing storage or available attached storage

Once you’ve filled in these details, click the “Clone” button to initiate the cloning process.

You can monitor the cloning progress as shown in the image. Once the process is complete, you will see a “Task OK” message, indicating that the VM has been cloned successfully.

Verifying the functionality of the cloned VM

After cloning the VM, it’s essential to verify that the operating system boots successfully. You can do this by selecting the cloned VM and opening its console.

Conclusion

With VM cloning in Proxmox, you can significantly enhance your workflow efficiency, streamlining the process of deploying multiple virtual machines. This powerful capability empowers you to scale your virtual infrastructure with ease and precision, saving valuable time and improving overall productivity.

VM cloning also ensures you’re well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s dynamic digital landscape, offering increased flexibility for testing environments or simplified disaster recovery plans.

Read More:
Proxmox Virtualization Series: Proxmox VM Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide for Offline Migration – Part 13

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