What is the FIRST step an administrator should take when changing the number of CPUs assigned to a VM?

Creating a snapshot is a proactive measure that captures the current state of the virtual machine before any significant changes, such as adjusting the number of CPUs assigned to it. By taking a snapshot, the administrator ensures that if anything goes wrong during the modification process, they can easily revert to the previous state of the VM without loss of data or configuration. This action helps in maintaining the integrity of the VM and provides a safety net, allowing for simpler troubleshooting and recovery.

While backing up the host or shutting down the host are important processes in managing server environments, they are not specific to the task of changing VM CPU assignments. Shutting down the guest, on the other hand, is a necessary step but should follow the creation of a snapshot to safeguard the VM's state before making changes. The snapshot serves as a precautionary measure that helps to mitigate any risks associated with the CPU modifications.