What happens to a VM when a snapshot is created?

When a snapshot is created for a virtual machine (VM), the current state and data of that VM are captured. This process involves saving the complete configuration, virtual disk state, and system memory at that specific point in time. The snapshot allows you to revert back to this saved state later, enabling the recovery of the VM to its previous configuration without losing any important data.

This functionality is especially useful for testing applications, upgrades, or changes to system configurations, as it provides a safety net to return to a stable state if needed. The snapshot essentially represents a point-in-time image of the VM, allowing for management flexibility and reducing downtime in case of issues that might arise from changes made after the snapshot was taken.