Start/stop VM on a schedule

[docmattman]

I have a backup server setup as a VM in PVE. All my home PCs are set to send backups to this server between 3-5am everyday. So basically I only need this server available during those hours of the day.

Is it possible to start/stop VMs on a schedule at specified times? Ideally I'd prefer not to have my backup server VM running all day since it will only be used for a short period of time. I'd like to keep the memory and cpu available for other tasks when the backup server isn't needed. Anyone have any advice on how to accomplish this?

 

[tom]

cronjob?

 

[docmattman]

Is there a command to gracefully shut the backup server down, rather than just using the "stop" command for the VM?

 

[mo_]

qm shutdown <VMID>

requires ACPI drivers/modules to be installed inside the guest to work.

 

[dietmar]

Is there a command to gracefully shut the backup server down, rather than just using the "stop" command for the VM?

vzdump automatically use 'shutdown' command when you choose stop mode.

 

[bromac]

bump

Hello is it possible to add this functionality at the cluster level? I know I can add to cron but if this VM is add to HA or vm was migrate to other node than I need to add cron to all node. If vm is not in node than will show error on logs.

 

[Dunuin]

I guess, you could create a script that uses the PVE API to shutdown and start a VM.