What can happen if consolidation is not performed?

When consolidation is not performed, delta disk files, which are created when snapshots are taken, can accumulate over time. Each snapshot creates its own delta file to capture changes from the point of the snapshot onward. If these delta disk files are not consolidated, they can grow significantly in size, especially if the virtual machine is heavily utilized or undergoes many changes.

This accumulation can lead to the delta files consuming all the remaining space on the datastore. If the datastore runs out of space, it can result in various issues, such as degraded performance of the virtual machine, potential data loss, or even the inability to power on the virtual machine. Therefore, regular consolidation is essential to manage disk space effectively, ensure optimal performance, and maintain the overall health of the virtual machine environment.