# Automated VM Snapshots

##### VM snapshots are made using the provider's snapshot API and are stored in the same region where you have your service.

It is only available under Support Plans Levels 2 and 3.

<p class="callout info">It's a full snapshot of the VM, meaning it contains everything: OS, Apps, data, etc.</p>

#### To make a snapshot

From the Dashboard:

1. Click on the *Backups* tab
2. Click on *Automated Snapshots*

[![Screenshot 2022-09-29 155143.png](https://docs.elest.io/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/screenshot-2022-09-29-155143.png)](https://docs.elest.io/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1643051519213.png)

From there you can take new a manual snapshot, list existing snapshots or restore a snapshot.

<p class="callout info">Retention periods depend on your support plan: 2 snapshots on Level 2, and 4 snapshots on Level 3.</p>

<p class="callout warning">Restoring from a snapshot will overwrite the whole VM with the selected snapshot.</p>