Configure Shared and Remote Virtual Machines to Start with the Host

You can use the AutoStart feature to configure shared virtual machines to start when the local host system starts. You can also configure remote virtual machines to start when the remote host system starts.

You cannot configure AutoStart if the remote server is running vCenter Server. You cannot use the AutoStart feature to configure virtual machines to start in a preferred sequence. You can use the VMware vSphere Client to configure more advanced features, including startup order. See the vSphere virtual machine administration documentation.

Prerequisites

• If you are configuring AutoStart for remote virtual machines, connect to the remote server. See Connect to a Remote Server.

• Verify that you have the Administrator role or a custom role that contains the Host.Configuration.Virtual machine autostart configuration privilege.

Procedure

1. Select the location of the virtual machines.

   Option	Description
   The virtual machines are on the local host	In the library, select Shared VMs. On the Shared VMs tab, click Manage Autostart VMs.
   The virtual machines are on a remote host	In the library, select the remote host. On the tab for the remote host, Manage Autostart VMs.

2. Select the virtual machines to start with the host system.
3. If you selected multiple virtual machines, select the number of seconds to delay between starting the virtual machines.
4. Click Save to save your changes.