The VMware Knowledge Base provides support solutions, error messages and troubleshooting guides
Search the VMware Knowledge Base (KB)
View by Article ID
Forcing a virtual machine to power off in VMware Fusion
Symptoms
A virtual machine is not responding during the shut down process
You cannot power off a virtual machine while it's running
A virtual machine stops responding
Purpose
This article provides the steps to force a virtual machine to shut down.
Resolution
Warning: When you perform a hard power off, this has the same effect as switching off the power switch on a physical computer. Only do this if it is absolutely necessary as it may cause data loss or file system corruption.
To force a virtual machine to power off:
From the Fusion menu bar, click and hold on Virtual Machine.
Press and hold down the Option (Alt) key. The menu option for Shut Down changes to Force Shut Down. (In Fusion 2.x and earlier, it changes to Power Off).
Click Force Shut Down. (In Fusion 2.x and earlier, click Power Off).
Additional Information
You cannot shut down / power off virtual machines that are suspended; these virtual machines must first be turned on, and then shut down. For more information, see Working with power options in VMware Fusion (1018242).
In Fusion 4.x you can also click Virtual Machine > Shut Down in the menu bar and a pop up will reveal the options to shut down normally or to force shut down.
Update History
04/08/2010 -- Added additonal information concerning suspended virtual machines; added link to general article (1018242); deleted note concerning Option=Alt
Request a Product Feature
To request a new product feature or to provide feedback on a VMware product, please visit the Request a Product Feature page.
