Question

Is it possible to create a VM instance using an existing instance on GCP? If yes, how can I do this?

Answer 1

You can create an instance from an existing instance by going to the VM instance details page of the Google Cloud Platform Console.

When you create an instance by clicking Create similar, the GCP Console creates an instance with the same configuration as the source instance but does not copy any data stored on the persistent disks or the existing instance.

Creating a similar instance

1. Go to the VM instances page.
2. Click the name of the instance you want to clone. The VM instance details page opens.

3. In the toolbar at the top of the VM instance details page, click Create similar.

   

   The GCP Console copies the configuration and opens the Create an instance page.

4. In the Create an instance page, customize your new instance. 

5. When you have finished, click Create.