qm-delsnapshot

Delete a snapshot

$ qm delsnapshot [vm_id] [snapshot_name]

$ qm delsnapshot [vm_id] [snapshot_name] --force 1

qm-delsnapshot [OPTIONS]

VMID
    The numerical ID of the virtual machine to delete the snapshot from.

SnapshotName
    The name of the snapshot to delete.

--digest
    Verify that the snapshot configuration has a specific digest before deleting the snapshot. Useful to prevent accidental deletion of a new snapshot after an unexpected update.

The `qm-delsnapshot` command is a utility used within Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) to remove a snapshot of a specific virtual machine. It allows administrators to manage VM snapshots by deleting unwanted or outdated copies, freeing up storage space and simplifying backup strategies. Deleting a snapshot merges its changes back into the base image or the next snapshot in the chain, depending on the snapshot structure. Note that snapshot deletion is an online operation, and VM downtime will be minimal. It is crucial to choose the correct snapshot name to avoid accidental data loss. Using this command requires root privileges or appropriate permissions within Proxmox VE.

Deleting a snapshot is an irreversible operation. Ensure you have a proper backup if needed. Deleting a snapshot that is part of a snapshot chain will merge the snapshot's changes into the previous snapshot or the base disk, which can take time and impact performance. Deleting a snapshot that is currently being used as the active configuration is not recommended.

The command returns 0 on success, and a non-zero value on failure. Common reasons for failure include invalid VMID, non-existent snapshot name, or insufficient permissions.

Example 1:
Delete the snapshot named 'backup1' from VM with ID 100.
`qm-delsnapshot 100 backup1`

Example 2:
Delete snapshot only if it has particular digest.
`qm-delsnapshot 100 backup1 --digest ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad`

The `qm-delsnapshot` command is a part of the Proxmox VE suite, designed to manage the lifecycle of virtual machines including snapshot management. The command has evolved over time with Proxmox VE releases to enhance functionality and address user needs for virtual machine management. It is crucial to check the Proxmox VE documentation for your specific version to understand any version-specific changes or behaviors.

qm(1), qm-snapshot(1), qm-list(1)