# Backup Settings

On the **Backup** tab of virtual machine configuration, you can automate saving the virtual machine snapshots and choose whether the virtual machine is backed up with Time Machine.

To open these settings, choose **Actions** > **Configure**, then click **Backup**.

<figure><img src="/files/xmYoIVb3cy3yB1jF2obo" alt="" width="549"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th width="209">Option</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>SmartGuard</strong></td><td>If you want to create virtual machine snapshots automatically, select <strong>SmartGuard</strong> > <strong>Details</strong> and <a href="/pages/K7P2EkjjlAswzJHtahzJ">specify the details</a>: how often snapshots are made, how many snapshots are stored, and whether you want to be notified before a new snapshot is created.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Time Machine Preferences</strong></td><td><p>By default, Time Machine automatically backs up your virtual machine together with macOS files.<br></p><p>To exclude the virtual machine from Time Machine backups, open the Time Machine preferences and add your virtual machine to the exclusion list.<br></p><p>If you later need to back up your virtual machine again, open the Time Machine preferences and remove the virtual machine from the exclusion list.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>


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