Overview
In this tutorial, we will learn the steps to Encrypt a Virtual Machine using VMWare Workstation. Encryption is a security feature that enhancing the security of the virtual machine. Encryption is key and requirements for TPM. For example, to use TPM( Trusted Platform Module) to a virtual machine should be encrypted.
Encrypt a Virtual Machine
Let’s see the steps to enable Encryption on Virtual machine.
Launch the Virtual machine to encrypt. Make sure you power off the VM.
Click on the link Edit virtual machine settings
OR from the menu choose VM >> Settings… (Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut)
Select the Options tab >> Access Control
Click on the Encrypt… button.
Set a password for the Virtual Machine. We need to confirm by repeating the same password. Make a note of the password and click on the Encrypt button.
If you expect the VM has critical and confidential data or files, then choose a string password. Depending on the VM size the encryption process would take some time. Be patient for the process to get complete.
Once the VM encryption process is complete, the Access Control tab would display that the machine is encrypted.
On this screen, we can also find the options to Change Password or the Remove the Encryption.
That’s it. Now the VM is protected with a password and the VM contents would be encrypted. Next time when we launch the VM, we need the password to access it.