Running a VM from backup lets you power on a VM directly from backup storage without waiting for a full VM restore. This capability helps you reduce downtime during incidents and validate recovery readiness.
What “run from backup” means
Instead of restoring all VM data back to primary storage before the VM can start, Commvault makes backup data available to your virtualization environment so the VM can run while you decide whether to restore permanently.
When to use it
Use run from backup when:
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You need to bring a VM online quickly after an outage or cyber incident
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You want to validate that a VM can boot and operate from a recovery point
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You need temporary access to a VM for testing, troubleshooting, or investigation
Options
| Option | Designed for | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Live recovery | Rapid availability | You want the VM to start quickly and then complete recovery based on your restore plan. |
| Live mount | Temporary use | You want to run a VM directly from backup storage for validation or short-term access. |
Expected behavior and guardrails
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Run from backup is typically used as a temporary state. Plan how you will return the VM to primary storage based on your recovery requirements.
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Performance depends on your backup storage and network connectivity to the virtualization environment.
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Changes made while the VM is running might not be preserved the same way as a full restore, depending on the workflow you choose and how you complete the recovery.
Requirements
Requirements vary by hypervisor and environment, but commonly include:
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A recovery point for the VM
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Network connectivity between your virtualization environment and the infrastructure that serves the backup data
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Sufficient capacity and throughput on the infrastructure that stages or serves backup data for the running VM