Resizing a Fusion virtual disk fails

Products

VMware Desktop Hypervisor

Issue/Introduction

This article discusses how to resize a virtual disk if you are unable to do so through the Fusion user interface or you encounter other difficulties. Issues that could occur are addressed, starting with the most likely.

Environment

VMware Fusion 2.x
VMware Fusion 4.x
VMware Fusion 8.x
VMware Fusion 11.x
VMware Fusion 7.x
VMware Fusion Pro 8.x
VMware Fusion 6.x
VMware Fusion Pro 11.x
VMware Fusion 5.x
VMware Fusion 3.x

Resolution

Each step below provides instructions and a link to a document, for performing the step and taking corrective action as necessary. The steps are ordered in the most appropriate sequence to isolate the issue and to identify the proper resolution. They are also ordered in the most appropriate sequence to minimize data loss. After completing each step, try to resize the virtual disk again. Work through each troubleshooting step in order, and do not skip a step.

For instructions on how to resize a virtual disk, see Resizing a virtual disk in VMware Fusion (1020778).

To troubleshoot why you cannot resize your virtual disk:

Ensure that there are no snapshots depending on this disk. Fusion will not let you resize a virtual disk if there are any snapshots. Resizing a virtual disk that had snapshots would make the snapshots unusable, resulting in data loss. Before resizing the disk, you must delete all snapshots. For more information, see Deleting snapshots in VMware Fusion (1020245).
If you cannot delete the snapshots through the Fusion interface, you need to consolidate all of the snapshots and your virtual disk into a new virtual disk using a built-in Fusion utility in Terminal. For more information, see Consolidating snapshots in Fusion (1020000).
If you cannot consolidate your snapshots, or still cannot resize your virtual disk, you may have a corrupt virtual disk or snapshot. Ensure that you do not have any corrupt disks or snapshots by repairing them. For more information, see Repairing a virtual disk in Fusion (1023888).
Ensure that none of your virtual machine files are corrupt. To determine if you have any corrupt virtual machine files, see Verifying Fusion virtual machine file integrity (1024809).
Ensure that you have enough space for your new virtual disk. For more information, see Verifying sufficient disk space for a VMware Fusion virtual machine (1021877).
Ensure that you have the necessary filesystem permissions. For more information, see Investigating permissions for Fusion virtual machines (1020786).

If the issue continues to exist after trying the steps in this article:

Collect the VMware Support information. For more information, see Collecting diagnostic information for VMware Fusion (1003894).
File a support request with VMware Support and quote this Knowledge Base article in the problem description. For more information, see How to Submit a Support Request.