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If the space on disk is larger than expected, you can reclaim space on your thin provisioned VMDKs to free up local space in the datastore.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Back up the VM.

    Make a Backup!

    Since we are modifying the VMDK files, make a good backup of the entire VM folder in case something happens.

  2. Download SDelete from SysInternals (Microsoft).
    1. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/sdelete
  3. Zero the free space on the affected drive.
    1. sdelete.exe -z C:
  4. Power off the VM.
  5. SSH into the ESXi host.
  6. CD into the VM folder.
    1. cd /vmfs/volumes/DATASTORE_NAME/VM_NAME
  7. Run the cleanup command.

    1. vmkfstools -K disk_name.vmdk

      The file used here is descriptor file .vmdk file not the data file -flat.vmdk

  8. Verify disk size has decreased.
  9. Power on the VM and return to normal operation.




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