# Using Credentials for Application-Aware Backups

The credentials that you specify for application-aware backups at the hypervisor, VM group, or virtual machine level are used to install application plug-ins and to perform backups of virtual machines and application data.

Note

Guest credentials and application credentials can be different, particularly for database agents. However, if the application credentials do not match the credentials used to access the virtual machine, the application backup fails. Guest credentials are also used to back up application data.

You can enter guest credentials to enable access to VMs at different levels. Credentials are chosen based on the following priority:

1. Individual virtual machines

2. VM group

3. Hypervisor

When credentials are configured at multiple levels (VM, VM group, and hypervisor), the system selects credentials based on the following priority:

- Guest credentials

  - These credentials are used to access the guest operating system, perform application discovery, and install agents or packages inside the guest.

  - VM-level credentials override VM group–level credentials, which override hypervisor-level credentials.

- Application credentials (optional)

  - These credentials are used to authenticate directly with the protected application (for example, SQL Server).

  - VM-level application credentials override VM group–level application credentials.

  - If application credentials are not configured at any level, guest credentials are used for application authentication.

To configure application-aware credentials, see Guest and Application Credentials for VM Level Application-Aware Backups.

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