Automate VMware vSphere VM Snapshot Creation

In this post, you will learn how to create a PowerShell script that automates the process of taking snapshots of virtual machines in VMware vSphere. This script can save you time and ensure consistent backup practices.
### Step 1: Connect to vCenter Server
First, you need to establish a connection to your vCenter Server using the `Connect-VIServer` cmdlet. This step allows the script to interact with your VMware environment.

# Define your vCenter Server credentials
$vcServer = "vcenter_server_IP_or_FQDN"
$vcUser = "username"
$vcPassword = "password"
# Connect to the vCenter Server
Connect-VIServer -Server $vcServer -User $vcUser -Password $vcPassword

### Step 2: Set the VM and Snapshot Variables
Next, specify the virtual machine you want to take a snapshot of and define parameters for the snapshot, such as its name and description.

# Define the virtual machine name and snapshot details
$vmName = "Your_VM_Name"
$snapshotName = "Automated_Snapshot_" + (Get-Date -Format "yyyyMMdd_HHmmss")
$snapshotDescription = "Snapshot created on " + (Get-Date)
# Get the virtual machine object
$vm = Get-VM -Name $vmName

### Step 3: Create the Snapshot
Now that you have your VM object and snapshot details ready, you can create the snapshot using the `New-Snapshot` cmdlet.

# Create a snapshot of the specified VM
New-Snapshot -VM $vm -Name $snapshotName -Description $snapshotDescription -Memory $false -Quiesce $true

### Step 4: Disconnect from vCenter Server
After the snapshot has been created, its good practice to disconnect from the vCenter Server to clean up your session.

# Disconnect from the vCenter Server
Disconnect-VIServer -Server $vcServer