Cloud

How do I reset a virtual machine?

Updated 2026-08-14

Quick answer

To reset a virtual machine, you can either use the management console of your cloud provider or command-line tools specific to your platform. This action will typically stop and then restart the VM without altering its data.

Resetting a virtual machine can resolve issues or apply new configurations without data loss. Follow the specific steps for your cloud provider.

Steps

  1. 1

    AWS

    Log in to the AWS Management Console, navigate to EC2, select your instance, and choose 'Instance State' > 'Reboot Instance'.

  2. 2

    Azure

    Log in to the Azure portal, go to 'Virtual Machines', select your VM, and click 'Restart' on the top menu.

  3. 3

    Google Cloud

    Access the Google Cloud Console, go to 'Compute Engine', select your VM instance, and click 'Reset' in the VM instance details.

Platform-Specific Steps

The steps to reset a virtual machine may vary depending on the cloud provider. Below are instructions for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Caveats

Resetting a VM does not delete data, but unsaved changes may be lost. Ensure all work is saved before proceeding.

Watch out for

  • Ensure all work is saved before resetting to avoid losing unsaved changes.

FAQ

Will resetting my VM delete any data?

No, resetting a VM will not delete data, but any unsaved changes may be lost.

Can I reset a VM using command-line tools?

Yes, most cloud providers offer command-line interfaces (CLI) to reset VMs. Refer to the specific CLI documentation for your provider.

What should I do if my VM does not respond to a reset?

If a reset does not work, try stopping and then starting the VM or check for any underlying issues that may need to be addressed.