Once a VM has been converted to a template, it can be converted back to being a VM again. This will allow the administrator to power on the VM, and carry out any updates to the source VM. These updates could included updating VMware Tools, Upgrading Virtual Hardware or updating the software inside the VM such as applying a Service Pack or updating other components such as .NET or Anti-virus software….
1. Locate the VM in the Virtual Machines & Templates view, right-click the template, and select Convert to Template
2. In the wizard, select a Host or Cluster that will support the VM – and then click Next and Finish
In the background the VMs .vmtx file is unregistered and renamed to be a .VMX file. The process of converting a VM to/from a template does not involve a lengthy copy method and is the quickest way to keep template contents up to date. You should see the icon that represents the object toggle between the “Boxes-in-boxes” logo for the VM, to the “notebook” view of the template:
