What should be done if a VM requires a reboot after a VMware Tools upgrade?

When a virtual machine (VM) requires a reboot after a VMware Tools upgrade, scheduling the reboot during the next maintenance window is often the best practice. This approach minimizes disruption to users and services, as it allows for the reboot to take place when the impact on operations is less critical. Maintenance windows are typically planned times when systems can be taken offline or rebooted without affecting productivity, making this an appropriate time for the necessary reboot.

While immediate action or performing the upgrade without a reboot might seem feasible, they can lead to potential issues. Immediate reboots could interrupt active processes or user sessions, leading to unscheduled downtime. Upgrading without a reboot could leave the VM in a state where the upgrade is not fully effective, thereby not utilizing the enhancements or fixes provided by the updated VMware Tools.

Lastly, contacting VMware support may be necessary for specific issues or advanced troubleshooting but does not directly address the immediate operational need of rebooting the VM after an upgrade. Hence, scheduling the reboot ensures a balanced approach to system maintenance and availability.