When virtual machines are in a folder, you can manage them as a unit. For example, you can select multiple virtual machines on the folder tab and perform power operations on several virtual machines at the same time.

When you power on several virtual machines at the same time, Workstation Pro delays 10 seconds before powering on the next virtual machine by default. Workstation Pro performs power operations on virtual machines in the order in which they appear on the folder tab.

You can change the default power on delay setting by modifying a Workstation Pro preference. See Change the Power On Delay.

Procedure

  • To perform a power operation on several virtual machines at the same time, use Ctrl-Click to select the virtual machines on the folder tab and select the power operation from the toolbar or from the VM menu.
    All of the virtual machines that you select must be in the same power state.
  • To perform a power operation on all of the virtual machines at the same time, select the folder in the library and select the power operation from the toolbar or from the VM menu.
    All of the virtual machines in the folder must be in the same power state.
  • To display thumbnails for virtual machines on the folder tab, select a thumbnail size from the drop-down menu on the folder tab.
    When a virtual machine is powered on, Workstation Pro updates the thumbnail in real time to show the actual content of the virtual machine. When a virtual machine is suspended, the thumbnail shows a screenshot of the virtual machine at the time that it was suspended.
  • To display virtual machine names on the folder tab, select Details from the drop-down menu on the folder tab.
  • To open the tab for a virtual machine, double-click the virtual machine on the folder tab.