To checkpoint a shared state in a distributed system, a node may first isolate itself from communication with other nodes of a distributed system. The node may then store a checkpoint of the shared state. The node then restarts and attempts to initialize its operating state from the stored checkpoint. In response to successfully initializing its operating state, the node restores communication with one or more other nodes of the distributed system. The node then indicates to the one or more other nodes that the stored checkpoint of the shared state is valid.