How to Create Snapshot for Amazon EC2 Instance?

What is an EBS snapshot?

In AWS, an EC2 snapshot is a service used to back up and restore data from Elastic Block Store (EBS) volumes. EC2 create snapshots are essentially point-in-time copies of EBS volume data. They serve as volume-level backups and can be used to create new EBS volumes, restore lost data, or create new EC2 instances.

EC2 snapshots are based on EBS volumes, and you can create snapshot EC2 in the management console of your EC2 instance. By creating snapshot EC2, you can easily back up your data in AWS and ensure its security. You can also use these EC2 create snapshot to create new EBS volumes and attach them to your EC2 instances, or use aws EC2 create snapshot to create entirely new EC2 instances.

Why you need to create snapshot EC2?

The importance of EC2 snapshots is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Data Backup and Recovery: EC2 snapshots provide a simple and reliable method for data backup. AWS create EC2 snapshot regularly ensures data safety and enables quick data recovery when needed, reducing the risk of business interruption.

2. Creating AMIs (Amazon Machine Images): AWS create EC2 snapshot can be used to create custom AMIs, simplifying system deployment and management. AMIs are image files containing operating systems, applications, and configuration information, allowing for the rapid deployment of new EC2 instances.

3. Disaster Recovery and Data Migration: AWS create EC2 snapshot can be utilized for disaster recovery and data migration purposes. By copying EC2 create snapshots to different AWS regions or accounts, data redundancy and business continuity can be achieved.

4. Testing and Development Environments: Using aws create EC2 snapshots to create testing and development environments allows for the rapid construction of environments similar to production, facilitating application testing and new feature development.

How to create snapshot EC2?

Step 1. To access the AWS Management Console

1. Visit the AWS Console > sign in with an account that has the necessary permissions for creating EC2 instances, EBS volumes, and EBS snapshots.

Step 2. Navigate to the EC2 Service

In AWS Management Console, choose Services > Compute > EC2

Step 3. To create an EC2 instance

In the EC2 Management Console, navigate to the Instances tab on the left-hand side > Right-click on the instance > Launch instance. This will initiate the EC2 instance creation wizard. You can go through the steps of the wizard to select the AMI, instance type, configure the instance, and so on.

Step 4. To create a snapshot

Hit Volumes in the left-hand menu > select the volume for which you want to create a snapshot > Actions > Create Snapshot

Step 5. Confirm and Create

In the pop-up window, review your selected options to ensure they are correct > click Create Snapshot. AWS will begin creating the snapshot EC2 and process the request in the background.

Step 6. Wait for Snapshot Completion

AWS create EC2 snapshot may take some time, depending on the size of the volume. You can return to the EC2 dashboard and monitor the status of the snapshot. Once completed, you will be able to see the newly created snapshot in the snapshot list.

Conclusion

In AWS, an EC2 snapshot is a service for backing up and restoring data from EBS volumes. It offers point-in-time copies of volume data, essential for data integrity, disaster recovery, and system deployment. Creating and managing snapshots is accessible through the EC2 console. Vinchin Backup & Recovery, known for its excellence in virtual machine backup, is soon to introduce support for new functionalities in AWS EC2.

EC2 create snapshot FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to create an EC2 snapshot?

A1: The time taken to create an EC2 snapshot depends on various factors such as the size of the volume, the amount of data changed since the last snapshot, and the AWS region. Larger volumes with significant changes may take longer to snapshot.

Q2: How long are EC2 snapshots retained?

A2: EC2 snapshots are retained indefinitely until manually deleted. It's advisable to establish snapshot retention policies based on data recovery requirements, compliance regulations, and cost considerations.