You can perform backups automatically based on the configuration for a hypervisor or VM group, or manually for a VM group or a specific VM.
The first backup of a VM is always a full backup. By default, all subsequent backups are incremental, capturing any changes to VM data since the last backup.
You can recover virtual machine data, even when the most recent backup was incremental.
Backups run based on the following options:
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Initial full backup: When you use Guided setup to set up the Virtualization solution, use the Back up now option to perform a backup for the default VM group.
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Scheduled incremental backups: The server backup plan that is assigned to a VM group includes a schedule for ongoing incremental backups. Those backups are performed automatically based on the schedule, without requiring any user action.
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Manual backups: You can perform on-demand backups for a VM group or for a specific VM.
If backups cannot start immediately, the backup jobs are queued.
What Gets Backed Up
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Disks configured by users through the Azure Stack Hub portal
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Virtual machines configured with Azure Stack Hub unmanaged and managed disks. From these backups, you can restore full virtual machines and restore guest files and folders.
What Does Not Get Backed Up
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Files or network drives that are shared in Azure Stack Hub and mounted on a virtual machine.
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(Azure limitation) If a VM is deployed through a template using dynamic disks, the VM is not protected and the backup job fails.