Sometimes you need to make changes to your VPS: update software, reconfigure something, run a risky deployment. But what if it breaks? What if you misconfigure something and don’t notice until later?
That’s where snapshots come in.
A snapshot lets you capture the exact state of your VPS at a point in time. If something goes wrong, you can roll back with just one click. No rebuilds. No reinstallation. Just a rewind to when things worked.
Here’s how to use them properly and why they’re one of the most underrated tools you have.
What is a snapshot, exactly?
A snapshot is a frozen image of your VPS at a specific moment. It includes:
- The entire disk state (files, configs, apps)
- Memory state (if supported)
- CPU state (optional, usually skipped)
It doesn’t take the place of a full backup because it’s not meant for long-term storage. Think of it more like a temporary save point.
Snapshots vs backups
- Snapshots live on the same host and are stored locally. They’re fast, but not permanent.
- Backups are typically stored off-node, compressed, and intended for disaster recovery.
Use snapshots for testing, upgrades, and system tweaks. Use backups for data retention, migration, or total loss recovery.
When to use a snapshot
You don’t need to take a snapshot every time you log in. But here are some situations where it really makes sense:
- Before upgrading your OS or key packages
- Before changing web server configs (like Nginx, Apache, or firewall rules)
- Before deploying a new version of your app or website
- Before installing third-party software you’re unsure about
- Before making database changes without version control
If you’re thinking “hmm, should I take one?” – then yeah, you probably should.
How to create and manage snapshots on LumaDock
If you’re using a Performance VPS or GPU VPS, your server is built on KVM virtualization, which supports full snapshots. You can manage these directly from your LumaDock client area.
The exact wording might vary slightly depending on updates, but here’s how it usually works:
To create a snapshot:
- Log in to your client area.
- Go to Services > click your VPS.
- Look for Snapshots or Manage Snapshots.
- Click Create Snapshot.
- Name it something short and clear (for example:
before-django-upgrade)
That’s it. The snapshot is now saved.
To restore a snapshot:
- Go back to the same Snapshots section.
- Find the one you want to roll back to.
- Click Restore.
This will overwrite your current VPS state with the one from the snapshot.
WARNING: Any changes made after the snapshot was taken will be lost: so be sure that’s what you want.
To delete a snapshot:
- Same area, just hit Delete.
- Snapshots count against your allocated slot (usually 1 per VPS), so delete old ones if you want to take a new one.
Note: If your VPS doesn’t have a “snapshot” tab, you’re probably using an LXC-based Light VPS – snapshots aren’t available on that virtualization type.
How long do snapshots last?
Snapshots are not permanent. On LumaDock, each VPS includes one snapshot slot by default. That means:
- You can have one active snapshot at a time
- If you take another, it replaces the existing one
- Snapshots are stored until you delete them (or replace them manually)
They don’t expire, but they’re not meant to be archived forever either. For that, use the backup feature.
Are snapshots safe to use?
Yes… with one caveat.
Restoring a snapshot replaces your current system state. So if you’ve made important changes or added data since the snapshot, that data will be lost unless you back it up separately.
Best practice: use snapshots for system-level testing, and backups for data retention.
If your VPS holds important customer data, databases, or active content, combine both. Snapshot before a change. Backup regularly in the background.
Final thoughts
A snapshot won’t stop a crash, prevent a bad config, or block a rogue script. But it gives you a way out when things go sideways.
It’s one of the fastest safety nets you can set up… and it costs nothing extra.
So the next time you’re about to run an upgrade or test something you aren’t totally sure about, pause and snapshot first. You’ll thank yourself later.
Need help? Reach out to support. We’re here when it matters.