Chapter 7. Deleting virtual machines
To delete virtual machines in RHEL 9, use the command line interface or the web console GUI.
7.1. Deleting virtual machines by using the command-line interface
To delete a virtual machine (VM), you can remove its XML configuration and associated storage files from the host by using the command line. Follow the procedure below:
Prerequisites
- Back up important data from the VM.
- Shut down the VM.
- Make sure no other VMs use the same associated storage.
Procedure
Use the
virsh undefineutility.For example, the following command removes the guest1 VM, its associated storage volumes, and non-volatile RAM, if any.
# virsh undefine guest1 --remove-all-storage --nvram Domain 'guest1' has been undefined Volume 'vda'(/home/images/guest1.qcow2) removed.
Additional resources
-
The
virsh undefine --helpcommand -
The
virshman page on your system
7.2. Deleting virtual machines by using the web console
To delete a virtual machine (VM) and its associated storage files from the host to which the RHEL 9 web console is connected with, follow the procedure below:
Prerequisites
You have installed the RHEL 9 web console.
For instructions, see Installing and enabling the web console.
You have installed the RHEL 9 web console.
For instructions, see Installing and enabling the web console.
- The web console VM plug-in is installed on your system.
- Back up important data from the VM.
- Make sure no other VM uses the same associated storage.
- Optional: Shut down the VM.
Procedure
Log in to the RHEL 9 web console.
For details, see Logging in to the web console.
In the interface, click the Menu button of the VM that you want to delete.
A drop down menu appears with controls for various VM operations.
Click .
A confirmation dialog appears.
- Optional: To delete all or some of the storage files associated with the VM, select the checkboxes next to the storage files you want to delete.
Click .
The VM and any selected storage files are deleted.
