Images let you standardize a prepared operating system, packages, and configuration. Create an image from an instance, then select it under My Images when you launch again.
Use images for repeatable environments. Use backups when you need a restore point for recovery. Both start from an instance action, but they serve different goals.
Create an image from an instance
Select the source instance
open Instances and choose a healthy instance in the target region.
Open Actions
choose Create image from the instance actions menu.
Name the image
enter a clear name and optional tag that describes the build or release.
Confirm create
wait for the image job to finish.
Use at launch
open Launch, open My Images first if listed, then select your image for new instances.
Image tips
Region bound
account images are available in the region where you created them.
Clean before capture
remove secrets and temporary files you do not want copied into new launches.
Manage later
open Compute, Images to rename, review, or delete account images you no longer need.