> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/compute-services/compute-engine/confidential-computing-vm/how-tos/stop-confidential-vm-dcd.md).

# Stop a Confidential VM

Stop a Confidential VM in the IONOS CLOUD DCD to deallocate resources and suspend billing. OS-level shutdown is not sufficient.

Stopping a Confidential VM from the DCD deallocates its resources and suspends billing. The VM remains in your infrastructure and can be restarted at any time from the DCD.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:**

* Shutting down a VM at the operating system level does not deallocate resources or suspend billing. Always use the DCD to stop Confidential VMs.
* Stopping a VM will:
  * Suspend billing
  * Disconnect power to the VM
  * Deallocate any dynamically assigned IP address
    {% endhint %}

To stop a Confidential VM, follow these steps:

1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Virtual Data Centers**.

2\. Select the data center where the Confidential VM is configured.

3\. Select the respective Confidential VM in the Workspace.

4\. In the Inspector pane, select **Power** > **Stop**. Optionally, you can also right-click on the VM and choose **Power** > **Stop**.

![Stop a Confidential VM from the Workspace or the Inspector Pane](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-a16cc10e5c4b97b372658240fe95985a9fd7deb5%2Fstop-confidential-vm.png?alt=media)

5\. In the **Power State** dialog, select the checkbox to confirm the power cycle, and select **Apply STOP**.

6\. Select **PROVISION CHANGES**.

7\. In the **Provision Data Center** dialog, select **Confirm**.

8\. In the **Confirm Starting and Stopping of Servers** dialog, enter your **Password**, and select **OK**.

9\. Select **Provision Now**.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The Confidential VM shuts down. The Inspector pane displays the status as **Shut off**, and an **X** marks the VM in the Workspace. The DCD deallocates the IP address and suspends billing.
{% endhint %}


---

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