Multiple snapshot removal tasks initiated when viewing tasks in the esxi hosts

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESX 5.x
• VMware vSphere ESX 6.x
• VMware vSphere ESX 7.x
• VMware vSphere ESX 8.x
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Multiple snapshot removal tasks initiated when viewing tasks in the esxi hosts.
• The tasks are triggered out of the backup window and there are no active backup jobs running. 
• Tasks are initiated by a non vpxuser account when monitored from vSphere client > Monitor > Tasks 
• Impacts the performance of the VMs due to stun/unstun during the production hours. 

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x 

VMware vSphere vCenter Server 

Cause

These tasks are triggered by a thirdparty product based on the performance/space policy set on the array and not the vCenter server. 

Resolution

Ensure there are no active backup jobs running for the VMs on the esxi hosts and identify the solution using the account to trigger the snapshot consolildation/removal tasks. 

If Nimble storage array is in use for the datastores, verify the performance policy set on the array which might be issuing the snapshot removal tasks to optimize the array performance.