Snapshot consolidation is a procedure that can be used when the delete or delete all operations fail. For example, consolidation may be required if the backup software that utilizes the snapshot technology is not able to remove redundant delta disks. If the snapshots are not removed, the VM performance may suffer, and the storage could run out of space. By performing a consolidation, these redundant delta disks are removed, keeping the VM in a healthy state.

To determine whether a VM requires consolidation, from the vSphere Client, select the vCenter Server, cluster, or host, and then click the VMs tab. If the Needs Consolidation column is not visible, click the arrow on the right side of the column head, select Show/Hide columns, and check the Needs Consolidation option: