Virtual disk image

We now know the great benefits of using a shared storage system over local storage system. Now, let us take a look at the type of virtual disk image formats Proxmox supports. Virtual disk images are the medium where a virtual machine stores its data. If a VM configuration file is destroyed, we can just recreate it and then attach the saved virtual image to bring everything back online. But if the image itself is lost, so is the virtual machine. There are different types of virtual disk image formats available to be used with a virtual machine. It is essential to know the different types of image formats in order to have an optimal performing VM. Knowing the disk images also helps to prevent premature shortage of space by over provisioning virtual disks.

Supported image formats

Proxmox supports .raw, .qcow2, and .vmdk virtual disk formats. Each format has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The image format is usually chosen based on the function of the virtual machine...